Concord - Ronald E. Yeager, age 82 of Little Pond Road passed away peacefully with his wife Catherine at his bedside at Concord Hospital due to Pulmonary Fibrosis as a consequence of his 40-year battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
He was born in West Chester, PA son of the late Rosellyn (Paxson) and Edward Edgar Yeager. Ron graduated in 1952 from Parks College of Aeronautical Technology of Saint Louis University, with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. He also completed the USAF Advanced Safety Program Management Course presented by the University of Southern California in 1972.
Ron was in the US Air Force entering as an officer after having participating in ROTC throughout college, after serving 27 years he retired as Lt. Col . First and foremost, he loved flying, especially piloting the F-4C Phantom and RF-101 Voodoo Jet Fighters. He was an active member of the Order of Daedalians, Voodoo Pilots Association & Tac Recce Reunion Association. One of his call signs was "Speedo" reflecting his love for speed!
After retirement from the USAF, Ron was a Flight Captain with Federal Express for 18 years. While serving his country he received several medals including Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM), Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon (AFLSR w/ 4 OLC), Air Medal (AM w/6 OLC) and Vietnam Service Medal (VSM).
Ron had many interests including sailing, skiing, chess, squash, ballroom dancing, architecture, photography and the arts. He especially liked Jazz and Classical music, ballet performances, museums, and art galleries.
He was an avid reader, staunch Republican, and proud member of the NRA.
Ron traveled the world during his lifetime. He insured that his 4 children got to see as much of the world as possible, especially during overseas tours in Germany and France. He raised his children to be independent and self-sufficient.
Ron and Catherine were married in 1996. He enjoyed visits with local grand-daughters, Natalie and Emily Jenkins and especially loved attending their dance recitals acknowledging their progress. Ron also had the opportunity to get to know 3-year old Bode Saverio Forand.
In addition to his wife, Cathrine "Cathy" Yeager of Concord, he is survived by his 4 children, Barbara Yeager of ID, Carol Flynn of CO, Patricia Bourie and her husband Richard of CO, and Stephen Yeager of NC; his 4 grandchildren, James Eastman, and Christopher and Sean Flynn; one great grandson, Michael Flynn; He also leaves Catherine's family including her daughter Christine Forand Jenkins and her husband Donald of NH; Catherine's son, Robert Forand and his wife Rebecca (Brown)of FL and granddaughters, Natalie and Emily Jenkins of NH and Grandson, Bode Saverio Forand, FL

Graveside services will be held on Monday (8/4) at 12 Noon at the NH Veteran's Cemetery, DW Highway, Boscawen, NH. The Rev. Henry Frost will officiate.
Military Honors will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, you may honor Ron's last flight with donations to the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation, PO Box 236251, Cocoa, FL 32923 or the Order of Daedalians Granite State Flight #53 - Pilot Scholarship Program, PO Box 8531, Portsmouth, NH 03802-8531.