1937-2025
Richard Lee Yoder, 88, of rural West Liberty, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 19, 2025. He was born in Bellefontaine on February 9, 1937, to the late Harold L. and Nina (Shumaker) Yoder.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Darlene D. Yoder and their three children: Michelle (Dave) Link, Bellefontaine; Stephen Lee (Christine) Yoder, Hesston, Kansas; Lisa (Tracy) Studebaker, Cable, Ohio. Their dearly loved grandchildren: Sarah (Hans) Harman and children Nina, Grady, and Pace, McGaheysville, Virginia; Lila (Dr. Jason) Anane-Sefah and children Delaney, Clayton, Archer, Burke, Helen, Norah, West Liberty; Royce (Courtney) Link and children Devon, Tayra, Layton, West Liberty; Logan (Lauren) Link and girls Lola, Lucy, West Lafayette, Indiana; Collin (Grace) Link and boys Caladin, Paxtin, Bellefontaine; Heather Yoder, Hyogo, Japan; Beth Yoder, Sioux Falls, SouthDakota; Grace (Bryson) Huxman and children Enora, Colton, Daniel, Moundridge, Kansas; Rose (Adam) Rush and boys Asa, Levi, Marinette, Wisconsin; Hayley (Dustin) Holmes and children Layla, Granger, Bellefontaine; Savannah Studebaker, Kettering, Ohio; Trent (Rachel) Studebaker, Cleveland, Tennessee. He is survived by a sister, Alona Kauffman, and brothers, J. Wesley Yoder and Lowell E. (Jacquey) Yoder, sister- in-law Norene Kanagy, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Joe E. Kauffman and Max E. Kanagy.
The grandchildren provided athletic contests, high school musicals, college graduations, and beautiful weddings, and then more babies! Richard often said, “Thank you, Lord, for my family!” Raised on his parents’ farm, Richard graduated from the West Liberty High School class of 1955. There, he played Eleven-man football, sang in the chorus, and was very active with Future Farmers of America. In 1957, Richard married the love of his life, the girl who sat with him on their school bus, Darlene D. Keenen. While employed by Craig’s Elevator in 1960, Richard and Darlene bought their farm home in Liberty Township, where they have lived for sixty-five years. As “those young kids on the block” in 1960, they were welcomed by encouraging neighbors, the late Ned and Pim King, Baird and Pauline Wilson, Phil and Betty Wirick, Cromer and Ida Harr, B. Leonard and Leona Yoder. Richard, a lifetime farmer, was an avid reader and advocated healthy soil science and best farming practices. He was grateful to be a steward of the Earth. In 1972, Richard established, owned, and operated Yoder Agricultural Lime, serving a wide area of Champaign and Logan Counties.
He counted many friends among those farm families. He enjoyed helping his fellowman by being an honored lifetime donor of many, many gallons of blood. From his childhood and through life, he worshiped with the South Union Mennonite Church nearly every Sunday morning. He loved reading his Bible and singing the great hymns of the Christian faith. Richard and Darlene traveled “from sea to shining sea”, enjoying the natural wonders and various cultures of our blessed country. They cherished visits with family and friends along the way.
Burial will be in the Alexander Cemetery on the Yoder family farm along State Route 508 in Union Township. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 27, 2025, at South Union Mennonite Church with Pastor Matthew Williams officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.
Any memorials may be directed to Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Rd., Lititz, PA 17543, with notation: memory of Richard Lee Yoder or in care of South Union Mennonite Church, 56 State Route 508, West Liberty.
Online Condolences may be expressed at www.jenningsfarley.com.
