Obituary of Richard Yaeger

Richard H. Yaeger, 88, born June 11, 1923, died March 27, 2012. Dick was born in Empalme, Sonora, Mexico to parents, Amos and Clara Yaeger. Dick grew up in a family who pioneered in the early 1900’s in silver mining in the Alamos, Sonora region; and had farming interests in the Yaqui Valley located in Cuidad Obregon, Sonora. Dick graduated from Midland High School in Los Olivos, CA and attended U.S. Navy V-12 programs at Idaho and Cornell Universities. He served as a Navy Ensign in World War II in the Pacific Theatre from 1943-1946. Following his naval service, he entered the University of Arizona and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. After college he worked for various road and highway construction companies in the Tucson area including New Pueblo Constructors Inc. and Best Paving Inc. In 1978, he was elected president of the Arizona Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America. He is predeceased by his parents, two sisters, Martha (Alberto) Zakany and Jane (William) Ralston, brother Joe (Mildred) Yaeger. Dick is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Howell Yaeger, three daughters, Kathryn (Mark) Houtz, Lisa Yaeger Bravo, and Jamie (Tom) Neppl, grandchildren, Matthew, Britnee and Zachary Houtz; Nathan and Kaitlin Neppl, two nieces and three nephews. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 7, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church 7650 N Paseo del Norte. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Casas de los Ninos, Tucson Community Food Bank, or charity of your choice.