Owen Edward Yoder

1941 - 2021

Owen Edward Yoder

Owen Edward Yoder, age 79, of Pratts, Va., died on January 3, 2021, at his home surrounded by family.

He was born on September 28, 1941, in Virginia Beach, Va., to J. Elmer and Amanda (Hochstetler) Yoder. He married Erma Yoder on August 28, 1965. He worked as a brick mason and later as administrator of Mountain View Nursing Home from 1967 to 1987. Owen and Erma started Yoder's Bulk Foods in 1986, which later became Yoder's Country Market. Owen's greatest joy was time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed grilling, metal fabrication, fishing, and travel.

He volunteered with the Madison County Rescue Squad as first responder and later chaplain. He was also active in jail ministry at the Central Virginia Regional Jail for 27 years and served on several mission and nonprofit administrative boards. He was a faithful member of Oak Grove Mennonite Church. He loved God with all his heart and prayed daily for his children and grandchildren, who will all miss him greatly.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Erma (Yoder) Yoder of Pratts, Dorcas (Loyal) Martin of Lancaster, Pa., Steven (Daisy) of Pratts, Joel (Crystal) of Elmhurst, N.Y., and Michael (Heather) of Aroda; and 17 grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at Oak Grove Mennonite Church, 571 Tom Johnston Road, Aroda, VA 22709, Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at 10 a.m. with Lamar Hochstetler officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, from 2 until 4 p.m. and from 6 until 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Aid Ministries, COVID Relief, P.O. Box 360, Berlin, OH 44610, or Madison Emergency Service Association, P.O. Box 665, Madison, VA 22727.