Jeffrey Allen Yager

Jeffrey Allen Yager, 66, of Oblong, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 1, 2025. Jeff was born on March 21, 1959, in Olney, Illinois, to Darrel Allen Yager and Hattie Mary (Goss) Yager. He grew up in The Bend and graduated from Oblong High School with the Class of 1977. On August 14, 1982, Jeff married the love of his life, Lesa Jo Sholders, at the Oblong Christian Church. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on family, faith, and farming. As a lifelong farmer, Jeff took great pride in working the land and caring for his crops. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, the Crawford County Farm Bureau, and Seed Chapel United Methodist Church. Farming was more than a career for Jeff-it was his way of life. He especially loved checking his fields and watching the progress of the crops. Jeff also enjoyed life's simple pleasures, like trying new restaurants, spending time with his faithful farm dog, PJ, traveling with his beloved wife, and making memories with his family. His greatest joy came from being "Grandpa" to his grandchildren and giving them nicknames. Whether sharing a laugh or an ice cream cone, they were truly the light of his life. In his younger years, Jeff enjoyed working on cars and had a lifelong passion for machinery and engines. Jeff will be deeply missed by his loving wife of nearly 43 years, Lesa Jo Yager of Oblong; three sons, Tyler Allen (Chelsanna) Yager of Oblong, Levi Blake Yager (Morgan Michels), of Oblong, and Cody Ryan (Jenna) Yager of Oblong; and his six cherished grandchildren: Ansley Jane, Avery Allen, Barrett Andrew, Dallas Elliott, Alivia Jo, and Hallie Marie. He is also survived by his sister, Brenda (Tom) Fear of Newton; niece, Alisha Fear, of Altamont; mother-in-law, Jane Sholders, of Willow Hill; and his loyal companion, PJ. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jay Edwin Yager; infant brothers, Dennis Darrel Yager and Randall Wayne Yager; niece, Candance Cotton; and his father-in-law, Harold Sholders. A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Pulliam Funeral Home in Oblong. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m., with burial in Yager Cemetery in Oblong. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Yager Cemetery Fund, 21727 East 400th Avenue, Oblong, IL 62449. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Jeff will be remembered for his hard work, kind heart, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy will live on in the fields he tended and in the hearts of those who love him.