Mexico resident Todd Yager has been named the 2022 Col. C.R. Stribling Jr. Community Service Award recipient. The Stribling Service Award is the top presentation of seven awards given annually by the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce Past Presidents to an individual who exhibits exemplary efforts on behalf of the community of Mexico for an extended period. Yager will be honored February 10, 2023.

"It is an absolute honor to receive this year's Col. C.R. Stribling Jr. Community Service Award. The most humbling element is being recognized like so many previous community leaders, leaders that not only wished for a better Mexico, but were completely dedicated to community excellence. Additionally, this honor is a reflection of the service mentality my parents and many role models have impressed upon me in earlier years. Their countless hours of service have made a deep impression. This is also a quality I consistently find in the people of Mexico. I am honored to live in such a special town!" Yager added, "Service is the greatest gift you can give your community! It allows you to invest completely and your rewards are the relationships built in the process. Amazing things have been accomplished by simple service to others."

Yager and his wife, Jayne own five funeral homes and several related businesses, most located in Mexico: Arnold Funeral and Pickering Funeral Home, East Lawn Memorial Park, East Lawn Crematory and East Lawn Vault. It is not surprising that Yager's favorite pastime is working, as he and Jayne also own Pig Up and Go, and most recently purchased the Homestead Hearth building. They will soon take over the business as well.

Yager was born and raised in Monroe City, Missouri, where he graduated from high school in 1993. He went on to graduate from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in March of 1996. His career began in St. Joseph, Missouri. Yager moved to Mexico in February of 1999 to work for Arnold Funeral Home. Over the years, he has been a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Missouri Funeral Directors Association and the Missouri Coroner's and Medical Examiner's Association, where he served as the Troop F Director. Yager also serves as the Audrain County Coroner.

Outside of his professional affiliations Yager serves on the Mexico School Board and is a former board president. He was involved with the Mexico Jaycees, serving as Chairman of the Soybean Festival, and a Mexico Optimist member, he ran Little League Football for 10 years. Yager also served on the Audrain Developmental Disability Board and was a long-time board member for the Miss Missouri Scholarship Pageant.

The importance of Yager's strong faith is evident. He has served at his church as lector, usher, members of Parish Council and as an organizer and volunteer for the "Luck of the Irish" and "Holy Smokes" events, He helped start the Adoration Chapel and assisted in organizing the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which has given out over 600 beds to the needy. He was a volunteer basketball coach for St. Brendan School and served on the Education Foundation Board.

The Yagers have three grown children, Zach (wife, Caitlyn), Raef and Lily, and two grandchildren, Eli and Flora.

The complete list of award recipients as well as reservation information will be released in December.