William Carlos Yager, a proud Chicago native and longtime resident of Haltom City, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 25, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. William grew up in Chicago before eventually moving to Texas, where he built a life full of love, laughter, and good music.

William was many things to many people, but the hat he wore most proudly was that of Dad, followed by Grandpa, or “Papa.” Outside of his kids and grandkids, William loved to fish and was proud of all things Chicago—particularly the food, the Chicago Bears, and the Chicago Cubs. William had an insatiable love for music, especially rock, and he listened to everything from the Beatles to ZZ Top.

William was preceded in death by his parents, William Geisler and Dorothy Schwartz.

William is survived by his son, Thomas Gilbert, and his wife, Lynette Gilbert; his daughter, Heather Dyer, and her husband, Preston Dyer; his siblings, Darlene Francisco, Linda Olinski, Kathy Johnson, Shannon Lavender, Jameson Lavender, Debbie Lavender, and Lisa Weinert; and his mother, Sharon Lavender. Finally, his Grandchildren, whom William loved so dearly, Alyssa Aguilar, Jackson Finks, Olivia Finks, Isabella Gilbert, and Judah Dyer.

Goodbye is just a word, but a lifetime of memories lasts forever. As William takes his final journey on the “Crazy Train,” we “Salute You” to a life that was truly one of a kind. “No More Tears” beyond the gate. You may now rest in peace.