Justin Yahner Obituary, Death – On the morning of September 15, 2023, at his home in Ebensburg, 41-year-old Justin J. died unexpectedly of a heart attack. Yahner, the son of Dennis and Denise (Hatch) was born on April 15, 1982, in Johnstown. His sisters, Annette (Mike) Noel and Angela (Mike) Lorenz, as well as his grandfather John (Mary) Yahner, mother-in-law Diane Manning, and father-in-law Douglas Manning all survive him.
His parents reside in Ebensburg. Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as his particular Uncle Kevin Hatch, the dedicated crew at the Country Garden 6-Pack, and his dog “Chief,” survive him. He owned and operated the Country Garden 6-Pack in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania and went to school at Central Cambria High and Shippensburg University.
In addition to being a member of the Colver Sportsman Club and the Carrolltown Rod and Gun Club, Justin and his sons were also extremely involved in the Ebensburg Youth League. At the same time, he contributed to the Ebensburg Mainstreet Partnership as a board member. His dog “Captain” just passed away, joining his relatives who had gone before them:
his paternal grandmother Mary Jane Yahner, maternal grandparents E. Jane and Beverly J. Hatch, and cousins Bevin Colian, Kalvin Yahner, and Alissa Hoover. Though he was only 41 years old when he passed away, Justin left behind a legacy of kindness and humor. Everyone he encountered, as well as entire classrooms, clubs, and the community of Ebensburg, will never forget him.
When word of Ebensburg’s death circulated on September 15, the town ground to a halt. Justin was the kind of dad who made his boys play catch in the morning before they caught the bus to school. He was the kind of spouse who told his wife she was lovely and great every morning before she went to work. When Justin became a father, it brought his father great joy.
His mother absolutely adored him. Justin was the brother who would quiz you on any topic, bring you a freshly drained donut, and be there whenever you needed him. That crazy uncle of yours who insisted everyone address him as “King Alpha” was a ton of a good time. Yahner was the type of buddy who could make you feel completely at ease and joyful in his company. When he went hunting and fishing, he would find solace in nature.
The kids in the area thought of him as “Mr. Mom” because he cared for them all. You may remember Justin as the encouraging coach who advised you to “suck it up” before embracing you. He owned a 6-Pack, and everyone in town would hang out there to chat, drink, and keep up with Penn State and Pittsburgh sports. There was never any doubt in anyone’s mind that Justin was Ebensburg’s de facto mayor. You could count on Justin to be the type of stranger who’d offer you the clothes off his back.
Justin John Yahner had a heart unlike anyone else’s. Tuesday at Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc. in Ebensburg, the family will accept visitors from 2 to 4 and again from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held privately at a time that is most suitable for the family. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Ebensburg Youth League in lieu of flowers. You can send your check to them at P.O. Box 834, Ebensburg, PA 15931.
