Edward Carl Yerian, 81, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025. He was born on February 13, 1944, in Columbus, Ohio, the oldest son of the late Carl Barclay Yerian and Louise Butz Yerian.

Ed's early life, marked by determination, was also the time he discovered his lifelong love of the outdoors. He was a 1961 graduate of West High School in Columbus and later earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from The Ohio State University. He proudly served his country in the Air Force National Guard from 1966 to 1967.

On June 13, 1964, Ed married the love of his life, Patricia Louise Schluep, a partnership built on steady support that spanned 61 years. He had an empathetic spirit and was a lifelong traveler; together, they successfully visited all 50 U.S. states.

Ed was defined by his commitment to his family, instilling values in his three children while always providing for them. As a devoted father, he was a dedicated Cubmaster with the Boy Scouts of America, committed to guiding his children and their peers.

His professional career was committed to the trucking industry, where he worked as an executive for International Harvester/Navistar for more than 30 years in Columbus, Atlanta, and Chicago. In 1991, he relocated his family to Springfield, Missouri, to head up the Marshfield Core Center. After retiring in 2000, Ed remained active as a business and financial consultant, mentoring many individuals who went on to start their own businesses.

An avid outdoorsman, Ed found joy in hunting, fishing, picnicking, and tending to his garden. He was also a talented cook who loved sharing meals with his family.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Pat Yerian; his children, Nicole Whitman (Mike Whitman) and Damon Yerian (Alex Regalado Yerian); his brother, Dale Yerian; and his cherished grandchildren, Cade Yerian, Graham Yerian, and Aaron Whitman.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brent Yerian; his parents, Carl and Louise Yerian; and his brother, Wayne Yerian.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A post-reception will follow at Ed's favorite hangout, Bob & Ike's, around the corner.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Future Fisherman Foundation (Teach a Kid to Fish) , reflecting Ed's love of the outdoors and teaching, or St. Croix Hospice .