Obituary of Robert Lee (Bob) Yager

Robert Lee (Bob) Yager, was born January 6, 1930 at home on Bee St. in Farmers Branch, Texas.

He was preceded in death by: his wife of 45 years, Irma Aline Yager; his father, John R. Yager; his mother, Alva Cartwright; a brother, BillyPaul Yager;  a sister, Susan Van Deilen, as well as two sons, Robert Lee Yager, Jr (Bobby) and Ronny Keith Yager.

He is survived by:  brother, Les Yager;  daughter, Sharon Yager Douglas (spouse – Don);  son, Ricky Yager; granddaughter, Amy Douglas Metcalf (spouse – Shawn);  grandson, Clayton Douglas (spouse – Amber); great-granddaughters, Ellie Metcalf, Alayna Douglas, & Alexis Douglas.

Bob was a native of Farmers Branch. He was proud to be among the third generation of his family to be born and reared in the Farmers Branch area.

On November 20, 1949, Bob joined the Farmers Branch Volunteer Fire Department. He was elected as its Volunteer Fire Chief in 1953 although he continued his full time position with the Dallas Fire Department. In the year of 1955, Bob was officially appointed to the position of Volunteer Fire Chief by the first City Manager under Farmers Branch’s newly adopted Cities Home Rule Charter.  In 1964, he left the Dallas Fire Department to become the Farmers Branch Fire Department’s first full time Fire Chief.  At the time, he was considered to be the youngest known Fire Chief in the state of Texas.

Chief Yager helped organize the Dallas County Fire Chiefs’ Association as well as the Texas Fire Chiefs’ Association. He had the honor of serving as President of both of those organizations.  Additionally, he was a lifetime member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

During his tenure, Chief Yager was instrumental in the process of getting some of the leading fire protection codes of the time passed.  In particular, this included a code having a requirement of retroactive installation of smoke detectors in homes and apartments in the city.  Additionally, under his leadership and with his guidance, Farmers Branch became the first city in Dallas County to require sprinkler systems in all multi-story buildings.  Furthermore, Chief Yager guided the Farmers Branch Fire Department in establishing ambulance service as an integral part of its routine services.  During the time period this was considered an innovative and novel concept.  Finally, the Chief was among the first to advocate for and provide firefighters with the latest personal safety equipment available.  At the time, this included fire retardant firefighting gear and self-contained breathing apparatus.

It was with a sense of pride that Bob helped in organizing the Farmers Branch City Employees Federal Credit Union.  He was honored to serve as its original President – a term that lasted for 10 years and ended upon his retirement from public service.

After serving for more than 32 years with the Farmers Branch Fire Department, Bob Yager retired in 1981.  He relocated to Mineola, TX.  There he owned and operated two successful businesses along with his wife Aline and son Ricky.

It was in 1986 that he retired once again and sold the last of the businesses.  He spent his remaining years enjoying his family and practicing two hobbies which he enjoyed tremendously – woodworking (building beautiful furniture for family and friends) and fishing.  Moreover, Fire Chief R.L. “Bob” Yager always endeavored during those retirement years to keep contact with the many friends that he had made in his personal and professional life.

In January of 2009, the Farmers Branch Fire Department held a special dedication ceremony of Fire Engine Company 133 to give recognition and appreciation to Chief Yager for his 32 years of service to developing the Farmers Branch Fire Department.

It is with heavy hearts that we lay to rest the man that meant so much to so many.  May his legacy continue to live on in those that knew and loved him.