Born in Mineola, New York, Van Yahres served in the United States Army Air Forces at the end of World War II.

During his tenure as mayor, he led the initiative to close East Main Street to automobile traffic and convert much of the heart of the city's business district into the Downtown Mall.

In 1980, Delegate Thomas J. Michie Jr. won a special election to the Virginia State Senate.

Van Yahres won the subsequent special election to fill the vacancy created by Michie's victory.

He served in the Virginia General Assembly, representing the City of Charlottesville and a small portion of Albemarle County.