TORRINGTON – Eugene Norman Yinger went home to meet his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 5, 2018.
A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10, at the Berean Bible Church in Torrington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Berean Bible Church for church planting in Spain or to Samaritan’s Purse.
Arrangements by the Colyer Funeral Home. Condolence may be sent to www.colyerfuneralhome.com.
Eugene, also known by friends as “Jose Jimenez” or “George Burlap” died at age “112,” even though his birth certificate says he had just turned 89. Those of us who knew him will never forget things he always said to lighten people’s days and to bring a smile to friends and strangers alike.
Gene was “jealous” of every woman’s long hair and yet told all of the balding men they had nice haircuts. But beneath all of the quips that he often repeated was the heart of a loving and generous man.
First and foremost, he loved Jesus and was looking forward to the day when he would meet him face to face. That day of rejoicing has come. Secondly, he loved his family and will be greatly missed by his wife of fifty years, Ruth; his son Ken (Cathy); his granddaughter, Shannon (Evan) Lichty; grandson, Joel (Kristen) and his two grandchildren, Susannah and Christopher Lichty. In addition to being predeceased by his parents, Caspar and Leila Yinger (nee Shewalter), he is celebrating a heavenly reunion with three children; Vonn, Mark and Kerri as well as with his grandson Caleb. His “kid brother” Estes “Bud” Yinger and his wife Vera also mourn his passing.
Eugene was born on Feb. 25, 1929, in Salida, Colo., where he lived until graduating from high school. In 1947, Gene moved to Laramie, later settling in Casper following his Army enlistment. It was in Casper where Gene and his son from a previous marriage met Ruth, who was a widow with three children. Gene adopted all three of her kids and they raised all four as their own.
The family later moved to Cheyenne, before moving to Torrington in 1978, where he lived until his death. Gene, who was an accountant by education and profession, purchased the Maverick Motel on the West Highway and became a part of the fabric of Goshen County.
Just as he loved the Lord and his family, he was always thankful to the Lord for “the comfort and safety of Goshen County.” He was an active member of the Berean Bible Church. He was an early and enthusiastic supporter of Valley Christian School.
He loved to sing and sang in barbershop quartets as well as church quartets and musical groups. He also helped lead weekly hymn sings at the Golden Manor and Evergreen Court. He was a fixture at the Java Jar as well as Arby’s... even though he only ate “unlimited fruits, nuts, and vegetables.”
He was an avid reader and always had a book from the Goshen County Library nearby. He could be found every weekday at the Senior Friendship Center having a good meal, clearing trays from the tables, teasing the patrons and letting them tease him. He would always hold the door for you, bring “Old Silver” to help you move, pick you up if you needed a ride to church and even took people into his home when they were in need. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master. “
