Paul Yoder Obituary

Paul Detweiler Yoder, Boyertown, died suddenly in a car accident on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009.

He was a son of the late Norman and Stella Yoder.

Paul was born Feb. 15, 1931, and married Naomi (Landes) in 1952.

He was the pastor of Boyertown Mennonite Church from 1953 to 1964, after which he embarked on a journey in serious pursuit of practical New Testament Christianity.

Paul was employed by Longacre's Dairy until 1970, when he and his family moved to Kenya for a three-year missionary work, where he began two church plants.

Since 1973, Paul has made multiple month-long teaching mission trips to Kenya, where he discipled many. Multiple existing churches there are currently pastored by men he trained in his Bible schools.

His most recent trip was in March 2009, following which many Kenyans who had repented of their sins and trusted Christ were baptized.

Upon his return in 1973 until his death, Paul pastored a home fellowship in Gabelsville. Ever hospitable, he and his wife shared their table and home with numberless people from all backgrounds.

Youthful and hardworking until his death, Paul worked as a carpenter and had a small sharpening shop. Always adventuresome, he made trips to Israel, Kenya, Uganda, Mexico and Ecuador.

He spent his years doing good, working diligently, helping others, teaching and living out the Scriptures and enjoying his family and many grandchildren.

Surviving Paul are his beloved wife of 57 years, Naomi (Landes) Yoder, always in love and each other's best friend.

They have seven children: Peggy, wife of David Fitzpatrick, Nashville, Tenn.; Rose Ann, wife of Thomas Howell, King of Prussia; Bonnie, wife of Philip Keener, Millersburg; Paul Daniel, husband of Janet (Martin) Yoder, Halifax; Lucy, wife of Timothy Hiland, Boyertown; and Heidi, wife of Patrick Yanello, New Providence; and a foster son, Alan Robert Tremer, Reading.

They are also blessed with 34 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Paul left his family a godly heritage and served his generation in faithfulness to the Lord Jesus.

Services will be held Monday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. in New Life Bible Fellowship Church, 2960 W. Philadelphia Ave., Oley. Viewing, 9 to 11 a.m. Burial in Fairview Cemetery, Boyertown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to feed drought victims in Kenya, c/o Naomi Yoder. Blankenbiller Funeral Home, Oley, is in charge of arrangements. To send a condolence, please visit www.blankenbillerfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Reading Eagle on Oct. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Yoder

5 Entries

Joseph & Betty Burgess

October 19, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Doris Evans

October 19, 2009

Dear Naomi and family,
From Berks Heim Administration, residents, and staff, we extend our sincerest sympathy to you on the loss of a devoted, dedicated and sincere volunteer. Paul was loved my many residents, including Danny Miller, who will miss him very much.
Many of our residents looked forward to the church service on the first Saturday of every month that was led by Pastor Yoder. Unfortunately, I and the Administrator, Jerry Fudeman, wanted to attend the funeral service and there was a conflict that we were unable to be there.
I will always remember him, his joyful attitude, and Christian spirit. We are so glad to have known Paul and we will keep his memory in our hearts.

Richard and Moni Hollerman

October 17, 2009

Dear Naomi and family,
Moni and I express our profound sorrow and sincere love to you during this unexpected time of loss. Although we have hope in Christ Jesus, the living hope, through faith in our risen Lord, we yet deeply miss our dear brother, friend, mentor, and teacher. Paul's example and influence will continue to live in us and in countless others who were touched by this unique and sincere man of God. May God bless each of you during these days and may Paul's inspiration impel us on to deeper commitment, greater faith, more extensive obedience, and wider influence in the Kingdom of God. With sincere love, Richard and Moni Hollerman

Wyndham Advisors

October 17, 2009

There are no words . . . Paul and Naomi are amazing people. We could listen to them recounting their missionary adventures all day. They gave everything they had to everyone else. All our love to everyone . . . Darryl and Denise Benfield

October 17, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with Naomi and the family. Paul has been a great example of a Christian, always ready to lend a hand, ready to share his house, his food, his wisdom, and his faith. He's helped our family in so many ways along the years. Our only regret is not making more time to spend with him and Naomi. Paul is now resting with the Lord and we know that his rewards will be many. (The Zaharia Family)

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