The Rev. Dr. Jacob Larry Yoder

I was saddened by the news of Larry's long illness and having passed over. I remember fondly our seminary years together and am thankful for his faithful ministry. Fred Schott

Sympathy to the family. I remember even as a 17 year old Yankee Catholic freshman at Lenoir-Rhyne being awed and inspired by Dr. Yoder when he was my religion teacher in 1978. While I only had one class with him, I still remember his intellect, wisdom, and being able to connect with the students. I held onto our text, These Stones will Shout, with notations from his lectures in the margains, for 30 years. He will be greatly missed.

Prayers. Ron and Claire Sipe

We send our sympathy and our prayerful support to the Yoder family in their time of grief. At the same time, we celebrate Larry´s life of commitment to the Church, Lenoir-Rhyne and especially to his students. Larry made significant contributions to the shape of the academic program at Lenoir-Rhyne, helping to ensure its commitment to the broad liberal arts. He never hesitated to challenge the administration and his faculty colleagues to explore ideas more deeply. Likewise, he challenged students to achieve the highest levels of intellectual life they were capable of and gave them the support to meet the challenge. His legacy will live on in the students whose lives he touched and whose futures he broadened.

On a more personal note, we are grateful to Larry and Marianne for their warm welcome whenever we saw them after our Lenoir-Rhyne years. And we salute them both for nurturing three outstanding sons, whom we were privileged to know and even to teach.

Sincerely,
Ryan and Carol LaHurd

We lived just down the street from Larry and Marianne as our boys were growing up. Our eldest remembers Larry as the best theology professor he ever had at Lenoir Rhyne College. He also remembers as a student at Lenoir-Rhyne College, his stunning vocabulary, the wonderful 'Great Books' discussions he led, and his conviction, unshakeable faith, great sense of humor, and immense love and kindness.

For myself, I remember how he put his formidable vocabulary to good use teaching a faculty gathering how to read baseball box scores. It was hilarious. He also had a great love of limericks, some of them for the boys only. The other thing was that he was strong as a horse. Once we called on the assistance of about 6 men from Highland Baptist Church across the street to help us move an extremely heavy player piano onto the bed of a truck for transport. When Larry appeared at the house, he strode right into the living room, picked up one end of the player piano by himself as thought it were nothing, and asked: "Alright, who's got the other end?" He also liked taking a turn at driving a tractor and farming. Some of us called him the Farmer, Prophet, Priest, and Philosopher King of North Hall (or, later, Russell House, which housed his academic department).

Finally, I remember having dinner with the Yoders after Larry's stroke. He incommunicative most of the evening preceding dinner. But when the family began singing the Doxology, suddenly something deep within Larry's memory was awakened, and he boomed out, as he always had, the syllables: "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow . . ." It was an earthshaking moment.

Marianne, and all the rest of you Yoders who survive Larry, we love you all as we loved him.

It was indeed an honor to serve as organist during Pastor Yoder's 20 years as Shepherd to the people of Grace Lutheran Church. His enthusiasm both in the pulpit and beyond, the mind boggling vocabulary, his
knowledge of the scriptures, history, and the booming voice lifting the rafters of the church during singing of hymns and special music (all on key) made him a one of a kind Minister. The sense of humor was infectious, especially when he serenaded the choir and others with whistling versions of his favorite hymns through closed teeth non the less. His teaching skills also came in to play at the pulpit as he tried to slip in farming topics and suggestions on how his planting of corn or pumpkins was going. Marianne was a trouper to Pastor's antics, at times trying to give him hints to get back to the subject at hand from her seat in the choir. And there was that special bond between the two. If Pastor couldn't spot Marianne in a crowd or around the building, all he had to do was once again, bring out the whistle. Yes, most certainly, "well done good and faithful servant." Special thanks to the Yoder family for sharing the special man in their lives with so many of us around the country. Pastor Larry now goes to join colleagues and fellow members of the cloth, Bill Johnson, Gene Bruce, and Michael McDaniel as well as so many others as they continue to serve the Lord in the Heavens above. What a glorious reunion that must be!

David and family. Just wanting you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I didn´t know your father, but I know you and your family and that speaks volumes about your father. I will be thinking about all of you. Hug Mary Ann for me. My love and blessings and in time comfort and joy to you. You are all very special to me. Love you, David.

I'm so sorry for your loss Josh. He seemed like a great man. You are in our thoughts and prayers at the May Wildlife Center.

Among my life's greatest blessings is having had Dr. Yoder as a teacher and role model at Lenoir-Rhyne. He was wise, profound, witty, warm, pastoral, and unfailingly energetic all at once, with an intellect that soared over the clouds and feet firmly on the good earth he loved so much. Carolyn and I will never forget his pastoral guidance to us and his being part of our wedding.
Few days pass that I don't stroll to class at the small, church related college where I teach, anticipating giving a lecture, and thinking: "What would Dr. Yoder say?" The memory of him behind podium and pulpit constantly reminds me that there's no excuse to be mediocre or milquetoast given the gravity--and the joy--of the subject. I saw how heartily he loved his family--Marianne and the boys--time and again as a guest in the Yoder home.
The Spirit calls us, but shows us the way through guides graciously placed along life's way. For me, that guide into a life of teaching and ministry was J. Larry Yoder.

A good and faithful servant. Always was good to see him at the Yoder reunions. God speed faithful servant.

A lovely and remarkable human being, who touched so many lives...
"... and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

Marianne, Nathan, Josh, and David, I cannot imagine your loss. Dr. Yoder touched so many lives, mine included. The love he had for "Anna" and his "wookies" could be seen in his warm smile, the twinkle in his eye, and the obvious love and pride that shone through whenever talking about you all! I feel blessed that I was taught by him, did my work study in his office, and was entrusted with his wookies as he and Marianne taught and studied. I remember fondly what a loving and fun home you had! He was by all accounts a good and faithful servant. May you feel the love and support of the great cloud of witnesses who surround you at this difficult time. Sending my love--H-Jo

Rev. Dr. Larry Yoder served his calling to the Lord to the fullest. We (Grace Lutheran Church) were truly blessed to received this blessing for twenty years. He will be missed here on earth, but will be greatly welcomed with the Lord.

Larry was a remarkable person, and I'm so glad I had a chance to work with him. His passion for his students, his family and his lord were never hard to find. He was engaging in discussion, courteous to everyone and had a sense of humor that was second to none.

I owe more than I can say to Rev. Dr. Larry Yoder. His influence in my life will never be forgotten, and never go without inspiring thoughts of him. I thank God that He put Dr. Yoder in the path of my life's journey.

I remember the years the Yoders, the Winfrees & the Bittikofers farmed on the Tilley land with the Tilley´s. Larry loved driving Preston´s old but sturdy tractor. He often took our 2 small children on the tractor with him.
I also remember Larry as a youth pastor at Saint Paul´s Lutheran Church in Durham. To the young kids he was known as PY. He made doing church things fun rather than a drag.
I will remember Larry with his laughter, hearty voice, and love of life.
Robin Winfree
Durham, NC