Retired US Air Force SMSgt Christ Dale Yeargan, 77, of Hatton, ND, peacefully passed away January 24, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Chris was surrounded by family and friends during his passing, and he will be incredibly missed.
Born June 11, 1947 in Oildale, California, Chris was the son of Dale Yeargan and LaVida Romero (formerly Yeargan), both having predeceased him in passing. Chris grew up in Wofford Heights, California, where he graduated from Kern Valley High School. Chris then went on to obtain his Associates degree from Chapman College, Orange County California.
Chris is known as a dedicated Vietnam Veteran of the United States. He enlisted in the Air Force in Fresno, California on January 30, 1967 and retired at Grand Forks AFB July 31, 1991, having served his country actively in the military for over 24 years.
Chris lived a bountiful life, as a devoted husband, father, and friend. On May 16, 1970, Chris married, Sparkle (Howard) Yeargan, the love of his life, at the Grand Forks AFB Chapel. Throughout their 54 years of marriage, both Chris and Sparkle built a close-knit family while raising their three children.
Chris was dedicated to his family, friends, and church. His skills and enthusiasm for golf kept him fit and active during retirement. His desire to preserve and uncover family history kept him quite occupied as he diligently became a record keeper of Yeargan geneology. Chris also enjoyed travelling all over the country riding his Harley motorcycle with his wife and friends. It was hard to keep Chris still, even during retirement. Between working beyond retirement, some days, you could find him sitting back and enjoying a cold brew with his buddies, and other days sitting on a sandy beach in Mexico with his lovely bride. He would also budget plenty of time to visit his children and grandchildren, as he loved them all dearly. Many of his fondest memories were made spending Summers fishing with his grandbabies at a little cabin beside the lake.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife: Sparkle Yeargan; his siblings: Russell Yeargan, Charisse (Yeargan) Woodmansee, Tina (Yeargan) Sporer and Dale Yeargan, Jr.; his three children: Jeffrey Christopher Yeargan, Catherine Inez Yeargan and Perry Anne (Yeargan) Barry; his daughter-in-law: Tracy (Enger) Yeargan; sons-in-law: Jake Barry and Travis Pearson. Chris is also beloved by his grandchildren: Sydney (Charles) Kuhlmann, Caleb Yeargan, Faith (Noah) Krull, Solomon Kirby, Althea Kirby, Karter Barry, Maclain Barry, Hudson Barry and Callan Barry. Chris is also adored by his two great grandchildren: Reed Kuhlmann and Harper Kuhlmann. His legacy continues with two more expected great grandkids and more to come. Chris will also be remembered and loved by his many friends he met along the way in this blessing we call life.
The family would like to thank all of those that assisted Chris during this long journey, whether it has been through prayer or presence.
Visitation: Will be 5–7 PM on Friday, March 7, 2025 with a 7:00 PM Public Prayer Service at the St John Lutheran Church in Hatton, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church in Mayville.
Funeral Service: Will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Mayville, ND.
Military Honors: Hatton American Legion Post 70 and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors.
Burial: Will be scheduled this Summer at the Goose River Cemetery in rural Hatton, ND.
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