Obituary of Justin J. Yahner

YAHNER - Justin J., 41, of Ebensburg, passed away suddenly from a heart attack Friday morning, September 15, 2023 at his residence.  Born April 15, 1982 in Johnstown, the son of Dennis and Denise (Hatch) Yahner.  He is survived by his parents, of Ebensburg; his wife of 13 years, Hilary (Manning) Yahner and sons Sullivan Montgomery and Ketch Manning Yahner, at home; sisters: Annette (Mike) Noel and Angela (Mike) Lorenz; his grandfather John (Mary) Yahner, mother-in-law Diane Manning and father-in-law Douglas Manning.  Also survived by his special Uncle Kevin Hatch, his loyal staff at the Country Garden 6-Pack, and his dog "Chief", as well as numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins.  A graduate of Central Cambria High School and Shippensburg University, he was the owner and operator of the Country Garden 6-Pack in Ebensburg. With his sons, Justin had been very active in the Ebensburg Youth League, and enjoyed membership in the Colver Sportsman Club and the Carrolltown Rod and Gun Club.  He also served as a member of the Ebensburg Mainstreet Partnership Board.  He is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Mary Jane Yahner, his maternal grandparents E. Jane & Beverly J. Hatch, cousins Bevin Colian, Kalvin Yahner, and Alissa Hoover and his canine companion "Captain" who recently passed away.  Justin has left this earth too soon, but he used his short 41 years to leave a legacy of generosity and laughter.  He has left an unforgettable impression on everyone he met as well as entire schools, organizations, and the whole town of Ebensburg.  Ebensburg came to a screeching halt on September 15 when news spread of his passing. Justin was the dad who had to play catch with his boys before they got on the bus to school and had the ball ready as they got home.  He was the husband who looked in his wife’s eyes every day and told her how beautiful and amazing she was before she left for work.  Justin was the son who made his dad proud to see him as a dad.  He was the love of his mama’s life.  Justin was the brother who challenged you on any piece of trivia, offered you a donut that he had just sucked the cream out of, and showed up to help with anything, anytime.  He was the uncle who requested to be called “King Alpha” and was always too much fun.  Yahner was the friend who always made you laugh and made you feel alive just being in his presence. He was the outdoorsman who felt peace while hunting and fishing.  He was the neighbor known as “Mr. Mom” and treated every neighborhood kid as his own.  Justin was the coach who told you to “suck it up” and then gave you a hug.  He was the 6-Pack owner who the whole town visited just to share a drink, a laugh, and get caught up on Penn State and Pittsburgh sports news.  Justin was the community member who was always considered to be the unofficial mayor of Ebensburg.   Justin was the stranger who would give you the shirt off his back.  Justin John Yahner was a soul like none other.  Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Tuesday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg.  A private Funeral Service will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Justin's memory may be made to the Ebensburg Youth League c/o  P.O. Box 834 Ebensburg, PA 15931.  

Condolences to the family may be left at www.askew-houser.com