John Cyrus Yerian

Sunday we lost John Yerian at just 60 years old. Our hearts are broken, but we’re thankful he is no longer in pain.

Cancer is a cruel disease. John fought for 18 long months, and he fought hard — with strength, grit, and heart. He never gave up, even on the days it was heavy.

John had a way of showing up for the people he loved. Whether it was with a laugh, a story, or just being there when you needed him, he had a presence that filled the room. He will be remembered for his heart, his resilience, and the way he loved his family so fiercely.

He was welcomed home by those who went before him — his grandfather William Thress, grandmother Donna Jean Thress, and his father Gary Yerian. I take comfort imagining that reunion, cigars in hand, even though it hurts deeply here.

He leaves behind so many who loved him: his wife Barb Yerian; his children Jeffrey Thompson Sr. (Leaha), Crystal Kuhn (Kyle), Charles Foster (Mikayla Meyers), Josh and Meagan; and his beautiful grandchildren Emalee, Jeffrey Jr., Sean, Wyatt, Quinton, Kiley, Kaden, Nevaeh, Peyton, Natalie, Amara, Lucy, and Charles Jr.

John is also survived by his mother Maggie Nichols (Rick), Dorothy Thress, William Thress Jr., Michelle Noggle (Chad), Leann Grimm (Mark), and Cody Yerian (Nikki), along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

And we can’t forget his two best friends, Dwight and Bill. Thank you for standing by him and loving him the way true friends do — that mattered more than you know.

If there’s one thing John’s life reminds us, it’s this: hug your people tighter. Say the things. Don’t wait. Life is fragile, and tomorrow is never promised.