Charles “Charlie” J. Yager (1945-2025)

Charles “Charlie” J. Yager, 80, passed away with his wife by his side Sept. 15, 2025, at Ellsworth County Medical Center in Ellsworth, Kan. He was born March 2, 1945, in Great Bend, Kan., to Charles “Curly” W. and Lucille (Glick) Yager. Charlie attended Kansas State University before returning to Holyrood and marrying his high school sweetheart, Sharlene Hazen, on Sept. 6, 1964. She passed away April 13, 1986.

Charlie married Jacqueline Murray on June 16, 1990, surrounded by the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

He spent his career with the gas plant in Bushton, Kan. He rose to comanager of the Enron facility. He then went to work for T&C Manufacturing in Great Bend. He was admired and respected by all his coworkers. He was a loyal, honest, hard-working man. He loved to provide food on the table with his hunting and fishing trips, using his self-made jigs to catch the prized fish. He enjoyed a good game of golf. Most of all, Charlie reveled in the time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. 

Survivors include his beloved wife Jacqueline Yager; son Brian Yager (Sheri), Great Bend; daughter Dorinda Cariker, Dallas, Texas; sister Marjorie Heiken (Edward), Blaine, Wash.; grandchildren Darion Yager (Brittany), Ty Yager (fiancee Tanya Sanchez), Heaven Lankas (Andrew), Keanu Yager, Cheyenne Swain and Austin Swain; four great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Kayleen Yager. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sharlene Yager, son-in-law Brent Cariker and brother Larry Yager.

Per Charlie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no service at this time. A celebration of his life and legacy will be held at a later date that will be announced.

Memorials have been designated to the Nature Conservancy of Kansas to benefit Cheyenne Bottoms, the Golden Belt Humane Society or the American Cancer Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.