Larry Brand Yager

Larry Yager funeral held

Funeral service for Larry Yager, Lance Creek, was held at the Niobrara County High School auditorium Friday afternoon. He died May 25 following an aneurysm in his head.

Yager ranched on the Jim Thompson ranch and was president of the Niobrara Roping Club, a member of the Niobrara Predator Control Board, Wyoming Stockgrowers Association, Elks Lodge and National Rifle Association.

Larry Brand Yager was born Aug. 13, 1944, at Maxwell Field Hospital, Montgomery, Ala., the son of George A. and Virginia W. Yager. He moved with his parents to the Devil's Thumb Ranch near Fraser, Colo., in Sept., 1945. He attended the Fraser Elementary School and graduated from Middle Park High School in 1962. He was vice-president of his class for two years, in the Junior Class play, and competed in skiing all 4 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and has an elk he shot at the age of 16 listed in the Boone and Crockett record book. During these years he helped his parents on the ranch.

He attended the University of Wyoming as the recipient of a skiing scholarship. He and Waive H. Thompson were married on April 8, 1966, at Laramie, Wyo. They worked at the Devils Thumb Guest Ranch the following summer and then returned to Laramie where both competed in rodeo for the University. Following graduation in 1967, they moved back to work at the Devils Thumb Ranch. The following November they moved to Lance Creek where they were employed by Jim Thompson. January 27, 1972, Chaynee Cass Yager came to live with them.

"Larry loved life, rodeoing, snowmobiling, hunting, trapping, and people," said his family.

Officiating at the funeral was The Rev. Robert Boutwell. Music was by Jane Bardo, organist, and soloists Jeanne Peterson who sang "He Touched Me" and "The Lord's Prayer" and Tim Johnson who sang "Why Me Lord." Charles Christian gave the "Cowboys Prayer." Ushers were Jess York and Gary Espenschied.

Interment was in the Lusk Cemetery. Active bearers were Bud Reed, Tom Thompson, Bebe Reed, Harold Miller, Cody Thompson, Walter Reed, Phil Joss and Bob Stoddard. Honorary bearers were his many friends.

Survivors include his wife, daughter, and parents; brother Bill Yager of Walden, Colo.; and his grandmother, Vi Tacke of Kirkwood, Mo.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records