Edward Yoder

1929 - 2016

Edward "Ed" Leon Yoder

Charlotte

Edward "Ed" Leon Yoder, 87, of Charlotte returned home to be with his heavenly father on Wednesday, December 21, 2016. He is succeeded by his loving wife of 58 years Dorothy Yoder; daughters Sally (Chris) Edwards, and Rita (Dave) Kauppi; son Eric (Michelle Halle) Yoder; four granddaughters, Mackenzie Fowler, Caroline Edwards, Madeline Yoder and Anna Kauppi; two grandsons Broc Edwards and Maxwell Yoder; his sister Marie Moody of El Paso, Texas; and many loved nieces and nephews in Michigan and Texas.

Ed was born on July 16th 1929 in Auburn, IN to Ervin and Crystal Yoder and upon high school graduation continued his studies at Western Michigan University obtaining a Bachelor's and Master's in Education. His passion for people and helping others carried him to Chesaning, MI where he began his 42 year career coaching basketball and teaching. He became Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Charlotte High School and ended his career as Principal at Weymouth Elementary. He also helped the Chamber of Commerce for 14 years with food drives for families in need in Charlotte School District. Ed was an active member at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte serving 12 years on the Board of Trustees. He was also on the Board of Directors for the Eaton Area Senior Center for 10 years. He was an avid woodworker, enjoyed the annual family trip to Frankfort, MI for the Fourth of July, and loved the annual fishing trips to Rice Lake in Canada with his son Eric, and friends. 

Ed was an incredible role model and mentor to many setting an example for his three children Sally, Rita and Eric. His marriage and commitment to Dorothy, unwavering faith, and the value he placed on family and nurturing relationships with people in the community and church were some of the defining characteristics of this man.

Visitation will be held at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI on Monday, December 26, 2016 at 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Memorial services are planned for Tuesday, December 27 at 10am at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. The family also extends an invitation to a luncheon, immediately following the funeral service,  at the Eaton Area Senior Center. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton Area Senior Center and the Charlotte Congregational Church.  Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ed on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.