YEARGIN, Benjamin (Pierre) F. Lt. Col. (Retired)

The Arizona Republic 3/26/2010 Benjamin "Pierre" Yeargin, of Scottsdale, AZ and Highlands Ranch, Co, passed away on March 17, 2010. Ben was the only child of the late Mr. And Mrs. Yeargin. Ben was born and raised in Ware Shoals, South Carolina. He graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Textile Engineering. Ben immediately entered the Army Air Corps where he fulfilled a childhood dream and became a fighter pilot. Ben served with distinction in the European Theatre during WWII. After the war, he earned the title "Lucky Pierre", because he was the only one in his group who could speak any French. Also because he was such a daredevil when he got into his plane. Ben became "Pierre" to all his nieces and nephews through the years. Ben was assigned to William's Air Force Base East of Phoenix after the war. While there, he and some of the other officers started doing acrobatics with their planes. The Air Force liked what they were doing and they formed the "Acrojets", which was the precursor to the modern day Air Force Thunder birds. He married Martha "Marty" Coppinger and were married for 54 years. While they were stationed in Germany in 1958, they were blessed with the birth of their only son, Neil Yeargin. Ben retired from the Air Force in 1964 with over 20 years of service, and with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was able to continue his love of flying when he hired by United Airlines to train their pilots. Ben and the family lived in Littleton, Colorado while he enjoyed over 20 years with United. He was always happiest when he was in a plane. After his second retirement, he and Marty moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where they lived for over 15 years. Marty died in 2002. Ben is survived by his son, Neil; grandchildren Nathan and Rachel Yeargin; several brothers-in-law; many nieces and nephews. Ben was well loved and will be greatly missed by all. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 26, 2010, at 12:00PM, at Green Acres Mortuary, 401 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ
Posted by Erin on April 01, 2010

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