John Kent Yeager

John Kent "Kent" Yeager, age 72, passed away on August 4, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Born on June 7, 1953, in Omaha, Nebraska, Kent’s family moved to Mission, Kansas in 1955. Kent grew up with a passion for sports, learned from his brother Larry, and a gift for connecting with people. He attended Shawnee Mission North High School, where he excelled athletically. His love for competition and teamwork led him to numerous championships in baseball, football, and basketball during his junior high and high school years. That same spirit carried into his college days at Kansas University in Lawrence, where he continued to shine in intramural sports, leading the Bohemians to the Hill Championship, while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. At Kansas, Kent pledged membership in Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and lived all four years of his undergraduate work residing at the fraternity house. Many of the close friendships made with his Brothers endured “for life”.

Kent dedicated his professional life to sales, beginning in 1975 by representing Colgate Palmolive in the Shreveport and New Orleans, Louisiana areas. He was recruited to work for Mead Johnson Nutrition in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area in 1984. Known for his dedication and excellence, he earned many awards and accolades. More importantly to him, he was deeply appreciated by his customers for the outstanding service he provided. His ability to remember names, dates, and details made every interaction personal and meaningful.

Those who knew Kent will remember him as outgoing, friendly, and genuinely funny. He had a natural talent for entertaining others and bringing joy into any room he entered. Whether sharing stories or making people laugh with his quick wit, Kent left a lasting impression on everyone he met. While Kent struggled gallantly his last 10+ years with kidney issues requiring lengthy dialysis treatments multiple times per week, his love for dear friends was never ignored or postponed. At least weekly, if not daily, he would connect with long-time friends, many from as far back as Junior High School.

Kent’s love of sports remained a lifelong passion. He not only played football, baseball, basketball, and golf but also followed all sports with enthusiasm. His competitive spirit was matched by his camaraderie—he loved being part of a team both on the field and in life. While in Texas, Kent became a big fan of the local professional teams: the Rangers, Stars, Mavericks and especially the Cowboys.

Kent moved to Eastern Tennessee in 2012, enjoying the beautiful Smokey Mountains and to be closer to good friends.

He is survived by his sister Sandra Lee Price (née Yeager), and brothers Larry John Yeager and Randy Leonard Yeager. He was preceded in death by his father John George Yeager; mother Ida Mae Yeager (née Atwater); and brother Gene Atwater Yeager. He was also an uncle to four nephews and one niece.

May the memory of Kent’s laughter, kindness, and vibrant spirit bring comfort to those who knew him.

Services will be announced at a later date.