Donald Norman Yarger Jr.

Donald Norman Yarger, Jr.

Wasola, Missouri

Donald Norman Yarger, Jr., 72 years, 7 months, 12 days old, went to be with Jesus on January 7, 2026, at his home with his family by his side.

Donald was born May 25, 1953, in Sendai, Japan to Donald Norman and Hazel Ailene (Coats) Yarger, Sr. They were there because Don Sr. was stationed there with the U.S. Army.

Don was a military child growing up in various countries and states. Don carried on the military tradition and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1973, serving in Thailand and was honorably discharged in 1974. Don was in the Army Security Agency as a Morse Code Interceptor.

He completed his Master’s in Education at William Woods University, Fulton, MO. He taught in Gainesville, MO then Ava, MO and was an Administrator at Mark Twain School where he retired.

He was a Minister and Pastor at Brushy Knob, Clear Springs, and Salem General Baptist Churches. Later in life he was a member of the praise team at Nixa General Baptist Church.

Don loved music and he loved it loud! He played several instruments and enjoyed his time as a member of Big Creek Bluegrass. In addition, he enjoyed being in the outdoors and especially loved his time with friends and family at deer camp. Don also loved his many fishing trips to Canada with friends and family and shared stories about those trips.

On May 4, 1991, Donald and Vickey Allen Evans were united in marriage at Oak Grove General Baptist Church in Wasola, MO. They have enjoyed many years together. His family meant the world to him. He felt blessed by the Lord!

Don was preceded in death by his parents; and his granddaughter, Ivy Kate James.

He is survived by his wife, Vickey; children and their spouses, Rena and Jason Comer, Jenny and Heath James, Anthony and Stacey Evans, Cody and Jodi Yarger; ten grandchildren; two great granddaughters; one brother and wife, Ron and Connie Yarger; nieces; nephews; extended family and numerous friends.

Memorial services and Military Honors for Don will be Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, MO. A Visitation will be prior to the service at 10:00 A.M. Military honors will be by the Troy Herd American Legion #112, where Don was a member, and U.S. Army. Officiating will be Pastor Gordon Edwards, Rev. Danny Norton, and Rev. Robert Roberts. The family will have a burial at the Rhodes Cemetery, Protem, MO. Memorials made to the Gideon’s International or the Troy Herd American Legion #112.