Eugene M. “Gene” Yarger
Eugene M. “Gene” Yarger, 91, of Philipsburg, died Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at his residence.
Gene was born on February 2, 1932, in (Ashland) RD Osceola Mills, a son of the late Jesse Edward and Sara Dela (Davis) Yarger.
Gene was a 1949 graduate of the former Philipsburg High School.
Following high school, Gene worked for his father’s contracting business and at the Osceola Mills and West Decatur brickyards.
Then in the late 1950’s he was accepted at the Pennsylvania State University and graduated in 1962 with a degree in Health / Physical Education. He also attended Rutgers University and Penn State for post graduate work.
Gene was employed in secondary education throughout the remainder of his working career. He first accepted a position at JP McCaskey High School, in Lancaster where he taught biology. He then returned to his home area and accepted a position with the Moshannon Valley High School where he taught general science, physical education and health classes until his retirement.
Gene was married on September 1, 1958, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Houtzdale, to the former Patricia A. Gallagher, who survives at home.
He is also survived by a daughter, Theresa A. Balum, of Philipsburg; a son, Edward E. Yarger and his wife, Bobbi, of Philipsburg; four grandchildren: Danielle Siegfried and her husband, Patrick, Joshua E. Balum, Erika Townsend and her husband, Tim, and Jawna Robinson; three great-grandchildren: Haydn and Avery Townsend and Hannah Robinson; and numerous other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by six sisters: Florence, Elverta, Eleanor, Evelyn, Betty and Iva; four brothers: Wade, Jesse Lee “Tim,” Duane and Clark, in addition to his parents
Gene was a member of the Philipsburg B.P.O. Elks Lodge and Country Club, Lodge #1173; the Penn State Alumni Association; the Penn State and Nittany Lion Wrestling Clubs; and the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.
Among his favorite pastimes, Gene was an avid fan of Penn State Wrestling and he loved to golf.
A funeral service will be held at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce St., Philipsburg, on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Noon, with Pastor Tavis Stauffer, officiating.
The visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday, October 16, 2023, from 5 to 8 pm; and on Tuesday from 11am until the time of the service.
Interment will be in Philipsburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gene’s memory to the Philipsburg ELKS Junior Golf Program, C/O B.P.O. Elks #1173, P.O. Box 307, Philipsburg, Pa 16866. Please make donations payable to the BPOE Golf Committee.
Online condolences may be submitted at www.beezerheathfh.com.
