Mr. Steven M. Yoder

Steven M. Yoder, 43, of West Grove, Pennsylvania, passed away suddenly on May 7, 2011 as the result of a motor vehicle accident in Wilmington, Delaware. Born in West Reading, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Sharon A. (Whitmoyer) Gehret, wife of Rea, Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania and James A Yoder, husband of Kathleen, Reading, Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of Governor Mifflin High School, Shillington, Pennsylvania and a magna cum laude graduate of Millersville University with a B.S. in Business Administration/Finance. He received his Juris Doctorate from Temple University School of Law, where he was the President of the Moot Court Society. Steve worked for Potter Anderson & Corroon, LLP, Wilmington, DE where he was a partner in the firm's Bankruptcy and Corporate Restructuring practice and headed the firm's representations of debtors, last working Friday. He previously was a director and shareholder of The Bayard Firm, Wilmington, where he was Chairman of the Executive Committee. Prior to beginning his career in private practice, Steve served as a law clerk to the Honorable Thomas I. Twardowski, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He was most recently recognized in the 2011 edition of The Best Lawyers in America as well as the 2010 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business being ranked in the top tier of his peer group. In addition, he was a frequent speaker on various bankruptcy topics at seminars nationwide. He was a member of the Delaware Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the American Bankruptcy Institute. Steve was a standout athlete at Governor Mifflin playing varsity soccer all four seasons, leading the team as captain his senior year and, where his overall point scoring record stood for many years. In addition, he played at the Keystone State Games several years. He also played basketball, bowled and ran track. In addition he was the kicker for the varsity football team being the second athlete in Berks County to play varsity soccer and varsity football in the same season. He was also a standout junior bowler having won many tournaments in his youth. He was also the men’s head soccer coach at Twin Valley High School, Elverson, Pennsylvania. In addition to his parents, he is survived by wife of 10 years, Heidi (Snyder), daughters; Marissa, Micayla, Alexa and Ava and son Owen. Also surviving are his brother Brian D. Yoder, Landenberg, Pennsylvania and nephew Chase J. Yoder and niece Saige E. Yoder, Shillington, Pennsylvania and Calvin J. Yoder of Reading, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by 3 sister-in-laws, 2 brother-in-laws and their families, all of Wisconsin. In addition are step-brothers Scott Gehret, husband of Lori, Reading, Pennsylvania, Brad Gehret, husband of Michelle, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania and Mark, husband of Nichole, Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. Steve absolutely loved life and all it had to offer and enjoyed every minute of it with a passion, drive and zest that was unmatched, especially when cheering on his beloved Phillies, Eagles and Flyers or coaching one of his children’s soccer teams. Those closest to him knew his unparalleled generosity and will miss his ever present smile and contagious laughter. Services to be held at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 on Friday, May 13 at 11:00 AM. All attending are requested to wear their Phillies fan gear. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the Chandler Funeral Home.