Obituary of Mark Joseph Yeager

Attorney Mark Joseph Yeager passed away on the evening of March 6, 2018 at Fairfax INOVA Hospital after a battle with cancer.

Mark was born in Ohio on August 5, 1947. He attended the University of Oregon from 1967 to 1969, where he studied political science and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. From 1970 until 1973, Mark served in the United States Army, working as a Special Agent for the U.S Military Intelligence Command. In 1973, Mark obtained a Master degree in Business Administration from Adelphi University. In 1975, Mark entered George Mason University School of Law, where he was selected for Law Review and served as Notes Editor. Following his graduation in 1978, he was admitted to practice in Virginia.

For 40 years Mark dedicated his law practice to criminal defense and appeals. For the vast majority of those years, Mark worked as a sole practitioner with an office in Fairfax, Virginia. Mark was a trusted and loyal friend to many and an experienced and talented advocate for his clients.

In addition to the lives of thousands of clients he influenced, Mark also positively affected the lives of many young people. Before entering the Army, Mark worked as a high school U.S. history teacher and football and track coach. Mark served as a Northern Virginia high school football referee for 5 years. Mark was a mentor to numerous young attorneys, especially in connection with the Fairfax County Office of the Public Defender. During his career, Mark served as an Instructor at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy and was a charter member of the Virginia Chief Justice’s Indigent Defense Training Initiative. Mark was active in his parish, serving as both lector and as a CCD teacher, teaching children about the Catholic faith. Mark was a proud godfather to Mia Grace Thelin (8) and Margaret Elizabeth Thelin (6) daughters of his former law partner and dear friend, Joseph Wylie Thelin.

Mark led a full and active life. He participated in Community Theater and was featured in numerous performances with The Reston Players, winning multiple awards for his acting. Mark was a lifelong fan of Oregon Ducks football. He enjoyed photography, astronomy, nature and travel. Mark made his home in Reston, Virginia with his adoring wife and partner of (37) years, Margaret Elizabeth (Meghan) Yeager, and their beloved dog (Reilly).

Mark was witty, humble, intelligent, generous, kind and compassionate. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The life of this great man will be celebrated with a funeral mass on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 3:00 PM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 11900 Lawyers Rd, Reston, Virginia 20191.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Washington Regional Transplant Community (www.beadonor.org) or the United Network for Organ Sharing (www.UNOS.org).