Dr. John L. Yoder

Dr. John L. Yoder, 98 of Holden, Missouri went home to his heavenly reward on Sunday, March 31, 2024, surrounded by family.
John was born November 10th, 1925, in Holden, Missouri, the son of Clarence Edwin Yoder and Eva Elizabeth (Parrott) Yoder. He graduated Salutatorian from Holden High School. John served in the Coast Guard during WWII. Following an honorable discharge, John attended Central Missouri State College (now UCM) where he met the love of his life, Frances. Following graduation and then marriage, the couple moved to Kansas City so that John could attend the University of Kansas City School of Dentistry (now UMKC).
John led Fran on several adventures over the next 72 years. He opened his first dental practice in Sweet Springs, MO. John's passion for continuing education led him to apply for a grant at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA. This allowed him to obtain his masters degree and he found his gift of specializing in crown and bridge work. After 17 years in Iowa he decided to move back to his hometown of Holden, MO and open his own practice.
John's passions stemmed from his love of family, faith in God, education, genealogy, history, archeology, and nature. John and Fran were dedicated to their family. They would pack up their children every summer for trips across the United States. Always with opportunities for education. The most ambitious was a month-long journey to Alaska. John's adventurous nature started as a child when he would roam the farm and find arrowheads. As an adult he joined the Archeology Society and loved to share his knowledge of artifacts. He was the keeper of family stories and history. He relished sharing stories of his youth. Not only were they entertaining but offered a glimpse and vivid images of what it was like growing up on a farm without running water or electricity. Living through the depression and WWII kept him humble. He was a gentle man who worked hard to provide for his family, contribute to his community and serve the church.
John took great pride in his hometown and found serving his community rewarding. He joined the Chamber of Commerce and served as President of the School Board and Optimist Club. He had a strong faith in God and was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his children; son: Richard Yoder (Lissa Nelson) of Excelsior Springs, MO; three daughters: Jo Ellen Engert (Robert) of Raymore, MO; Beth Yoder Stein (Tom) of Kansas City, MO and Nancy McConville (Ron) of Holden, MO; seven grandchildren: Synneve Yoder of Plattsmouth, NE; Krista Bell (Andrew) of Liberty, MO; Nathan Engert (Vanessa) of Kansas City, MO; Nicholas Engert of Westerly, RI; Samuel Kelly (Marlis Muschal) of Independence, MO; Jennifer McConville of Holden, MO and Andrew McConville of Wichita, KS; seven great grandchildren: Leon Bell, Miles Engert, Chloe Engert, Calvin Muschal Kelly, Vincent Vance, Quinten McConville and Norah McConville.
Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 6th at the Holden United Methodist Church with Pastor L. David Mortensen officiating. Interment will follow at Pisgah Cemetery, North of Chilhowee.
Pallbearers: Nathan Engert, Synneve Yoder, Krista Bell, Andrew Bell, Andy McConville and Samuel Kelly.
The family will receive friends, one hour prior to service, Saturday, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Holden United Methodist Church , Pisgah Cemetery (Chilhowee, MO) and Holden R-III School Foundation .
Arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden.