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<p><em>William Emer Yeager</em> grew up in Leonia, NJ, a small Bergen County community near Fort Lee, NJ, where he relished the freedom, security and fellowship that marked his school days. He graduated from Leonia High School in 1955 and immediately entered the Class of 1960. Emer was guided in his Leonia years by his adoptive father and mother, Brigadier General Emer and Mrs. Gertrude Yeager, who instilled both sense of honor and service and a love of music and culture, which stood Emer well all his life. He was proud of his father’s World War I and World War II service, the latter in the Pacific Theater, and his mother’s musical talent as an opera singer.</p>
<p>When Emer entered West Point he was one of the youngest members of the Class of 1960. He quickly began establishing a very successful record of accomplishment during the next four years. Academics were no challenge as he achieved Star Man status, graduating 27th in Order of Merit in his 550-man class. He achieved cadet captain rank, serving on the First Regiment staff, and was a member of the class committee. An avid music lover, he enjoyed a wide range of music from classical to blue grass. His belief that the “system” was to be challenged led to such involvements as efforts to relocate the revile canon and clandestine room TV installation with TAC officer entry warning system.</p>
<p>Following graduation and commissioning in the artillery, Emer attended the Artillery Branch basic course, Airborne and Ranger schools and was assigned to the 9th Artillery in Hawaii. He had both staff and battery command assignments and was awarded a Commendation Medal for his performance. However, Emer decided to pursue a civilian career in finance and resigned from the Army in 1965. He received his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1967 and began his investment management business career in the Los Angeles area. His business involved extensive travel in Europe and brief living periods in Switzerland and London, and included positions in capital research, Morgan Stanley, and presidency for 21 years of a San Francisco investment advisory firm, Ashfield. Following seven years as an executive vice president of a natural gas marketing firm, he returned to the investment management business as a private consultant to hedge funds, and relocated to Murfreesboro, TN in 1999 to deal with family care needs. He retired from the world of finance in 2012 but still wanted to be of service. He became a senior health care specialist, helping people navigate Medicare coverage. </p>
<p>Emer loved to golf, usually walking 18 holes carrying his bag. Whenever possible, Emer and Renee enjoyed taking car trips around the country. Always up for an adventure, the itinerary was open to meandering which they did with great joy.</p>
<p>Emer was a proud parent of five and grandparent of eight: Bill Jr. (Bill and Jessica), Jennifer (James), and Emily (Ellasyn and Macey) from his first marriage. In 1995 he married Renee and, in 1996, adopted two sisters, Stephanie (Caden and Skylar) and Tiffany (Remington). The girls were in an extremely abusive situation so, being adopted himself, he didn’t flinch at the thought of starting a family again at 57. One of the highlights of his life was being able to take the girls to his West Point 50th reunion so they could meet the people and see the place where all his stories came from. </p>
<p>Emer stated frequently that Easter of 1977 marked the most important day of his life, when he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He spent two years in Bible College in order to deepen his understanding of the Bible. It was a study he continued the rest of his life. He sang in the choir for 17 years, taught the singles Sunday School, and led mission prayer meetings every Saturday morning for 14 years. </p>
<p>Emer loved people: he loved to help them, and he loved to make them laugh. His quirky sense of humor coupled with a generous heart made for adventures every day. Crowded elevators held his favorite captive audience. But he had his serious side as well, and he was serious about making sure people knew his Jesus. The last three years of his life changed him deeply. His clientele was some of the most impoverished people he had ever encountered. His love extended far beyond helping them find affordable insurance. He would spend hours listening to their stories and talking to them about life and his Lord. People loved him right back and gave generously from what little they had: a dozen eggs, homemade jams, and, once, a favorite decorative plate right off the wall. Emer would tell Renee of his experiences with different individuals over dinner, and they would go to the bookstore and find the perfect Bible for that client. He would then drive, sometimes two to three hours back, just to deliver the Bible and some instruction on how to use it. </p>
<p>Emer was born with a literal silver spoon in his mouth and yet his impressive resume never once came up in this setting. He was all about the love of God. The last year of his life the verse he quoted almost every day was, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” He embodied that in every aspect of his life. </p>
<p>After a sudden and brief illness, Emer met his Lord face to face and heard the words he longed to hear, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” The impact of his life will reverberate throughout the lifetimes of many and his example of the love of God is a testimony to that relationship.</p>
<p><em>— Renee Yeager and Thomas Reed Bennett </em></p>
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