Richard
Gordon Yeargan, 84, of McPherson, died at 4:30 a.m., Saturday, January
8th, with his wife Jerri at his side at Pleasant View Home, Inman,
Kansas.
Richard was born in Wellington, Kansas on December 6, 1937, a son of Mildred Lorene (Bartlett) and Gordon Arnold Yeargan.
Dick graduated from Goodland High School, Goodland, Kansas in 1955. He
then attended Fort Hays University where he received his Bachelor's
degree, He received his Master's degree from University of Northern
Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, and received his PhD (A.B.D.) from Kansas
University, Lawrence, Kansas.
He was a member of Church of the Brethren McPherson, Kansas.
Richard Gordon "Dick" Yeargan was united in marriage to Donna Doudle in
1963 and this union was blessed with the birth of a son Cary Todd. In
1982 Dick was united in marriage to Lillian Rossow Cooley. "Dick"
Yeargan was united in marriage to Jerri Mae Wisdom Wall on June 24, 2000
in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The couple established their first home
together Harrison, Arkansas. The couple moved to McPherson in 2005.
Dick was a lifelong educator and started his career at El Dorado Middle
School, El Dorado, Kansas teaching English, Speech, and Drama. He then
taught English and developmental reading at Wichita Southeast High
School, Wichita, Kansas. In 1970 Dick founded the Freshman Student
Program in University College at Wichita State University. He retired in
1998 from Northwest High School teaching English and gifted students.
Dick was a member of A.A. McPherson, Kansas and NEA. He enjoyed music,
reading, traveling, movies, theater, watching sports and was an avid fan
of the Wichita Shockers, gardening, and family, friends, and his furry
canines.
He is survived by his loving and caring wife of over
21 years, Jerri Wall-Yeargan, of McPherson, Kansas; his step children,
Eric "Ric" Wall and wife Patricia "Patti" Wall, of McPherson, Kansas,
Angela "Angel" Decker, of San Antonio, Texas, Robin O'Connor and husband
Phillip, of Everett, Washington, and Christopher "Chris" Wall, of
McPherson, Kansas; his brother, Robert George Yeargan, husband of
Christopher Nance, of Palm Springs, California; his sisters-in-law,
Billie Jean Jones and husband Robert, of Panama City Beach, Florida and
Patricia Mast and husband James, of Brunswick, Ohio; his nine step
grandchildren, Eric Wall, Landon Wall, Collyn Wall, Whitney Wall, Carson
O'Connor, Christopher Decker and wife Leah, Carley Hall and husband
Matthew, Miles Wall, and Isabella Wall and Fiance Carter Robinson; three
great-grandchildren, Taylen Wall, Caleb Decker, and Harrison Decker;
other relatives, many students and a host of friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Lorene Yeargan; a son, Cary Todd Yeargan; and his wife Lillian Yeargan.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 21st 2022
at Church of the Brethren in McPherson, Kansas with Reverend Kathryn
Whitacre officiating. Masks required.
Burial will be at the McPherson Cemetery McPherson, Kansas at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to McPherson Dog
Park or the Church of the Brethren McPherson, and they can be sent in
care of the Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid St.,
McPherson, Kansas 67460.