With a heavy heart, I, David L Yoder’s daughter would like to let the city of Crossville know that my dad, David L Yoder, son of Firm Harrison Yoder and Patricia Yasenchak passed from this world into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Friday, August 8th, 2014 in Huntsville, AL at the age of 68. David L Yoder is survived by his beautiful, Godly wife of 49 years, Jean Ware Yoder. David L Yoder graduated from Officer Commission School 1-67 in Fort Sill OK. David was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He proudly served in the United States Army for five years and the National Guard for twenty-two years. He also served at the Crossville Post Office for 25 years.
My dad was a man of honor who protected and provided for his home, wife, children and grandchildren as God called him too. David is survived by is only son, Scott David Yoder. David is also survived by two daughters, Brenda Yoder Reeks married to John Christopher Reeks and Jennifer Danielle Friel married to Daniel Patrick Friel.
My dad is also survived by his grand kids, which are his pride and joy. He and my mother spent countless days and miles traveling around the Eastern United States watching their grand kids play sports. Dad first began his journey of being the most proud grandfather with his oldest grandson, Tyler Brandin Yoder (18). My dad would not be pleased with me if I didn’t brag on the fact that Tyler will be playing basketball for Bryan College. Then came his second bundle of joy, Ashlyn Danielle Friel (14), who he chased around watching her play softball and basketball. Dad would be so full of joy that Ash has decided to go on to her travel ball tryouts in the midst of our sadness. His third joy came with Madalyn Celeste Reeks (13), whom he got the great pleasure in watching her compete in recurve archery competitions and singing her heart out for The Lord. Then came yet another joy, Jonah Christopher Reeks (9). Dad’s heart got to be full of pride even as he left this world because just a few short hours before he was watching Jonah play soccer. Last but definitely not least dad is survived by Ian Christopher Reeks (7) who has decided to follow in his older cousin’s footsteps and play basketball. These five beautiful children were loved deeply by their Papaw. They all knew that they were “his favorite” because he took each one on yearly individual camping trips anywhere they wanted to go and to do whatever they wanted to do. They will always know that Papaw was “a man after God’s own heart.” Dad had other hobbies as well, like riding his motorcycle, bowling, serving in the church, helping to start and work in a weekly soup kitchen and traveling. But none of his hobbies were ever more important than his five amazingly, wonderful grandchildren. He would always say how blessed of a life he was living. He thanked God daily for all the many blessings God choose to bestow on him.
David L Yoder is survived by one sister Gaile Lynn Nixon married to Grant Nixon and one uncle, Wayne Yoder. Dad was preceded in death by one sister, Karen Yoder Neale.
Dad’s quiet, even tempered, joyful spirit will be missed by all who spent anytime with him. No one can express our hearts better than the words of Ian as we arrived home with Mamaw Friday afternoon to see Papaw’s truck that pulls the camper sitting the the driveway…”there’s the truck with no one to drive it.” Dad you will be missed but we rejoice in knowing that you are resting in the arms of Jesus.
Services will be held at Homestead United Methodist Church Tuesday, August 12, 2014. The visitation will be from 9:30-12 with the funeral service beginning at 12 and the graveside to follow at City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Bryan College Men’s basketball, Attn Don Rekoske, PO Box 7803, Dayton, TN, 37321.
I was a friend and OCS classmate of Dave. We attended Artillery OCS together as members of OCS Class 1-67. We received our commissions as Second Lieutenants on December 17, 1966. In OCS Dave was a wonderful, kind and generous classmate with a warm sense of humor. After OCS, we received different assignments in the Army and went our separate ways. I left the Army as a Captain in 1970, went to law school, became a federal judge, and subsequently returned to the practice of law. Within the past few years, I was fortunate enough to reconnect with Dave and Jean at OCS class reunions. I was able to rediscover the warm, friendly and generous person I had known 40 years before. He was now a loving husband, father and grandfather. He had served his country with honor and distinction in time of war. He was devoted to God and his Church. I am a fortunate and better person because I got to know and be known by Dave Yoder. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, his wife, Jean, his children, his grandchildren, and his many friends.