Thomas Yoder

Thomas Yoder

June 2, 1934 - Dec. 31, 2015

SOUTH BEND - Thomas John Yoder, 81, of South Bend, Indiana died on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at home with his family.

Tom was born June 2, 1934 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Devere and Lois (Baer) Yoder. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Robert, Eugene, and James.

Tom graduated from John Adams High School in 1952. While a student there, he met the love of his life, Donna (Tennyson). They were married in 1954 while Tom was an Apprentice Printer with the South Bend Tribune. After his apprenticeship, he continued to work in the Composing Room of the Tribune, as a Journeyman Printer, for 41 years, retiring in January 1991. After retirement he enjoyed working temp jobs to keep busy and mastered them all.

Tom was a member of the Evangel Heights United Methodist Church. He was also a Member in Good Standing of the International Typographical Union.

He loved Notre Dame football, having served as an usher for a few years. He followed high school sports and East Side Little League Softball, enjoying the accomplishments of all of his grandchildren.

Four years ago Tom suffered severe injuries in a fall. He had worked extremely hard to overcome the effects of that fall. Thanks to Sara, Lyndy, and Leslie from Great Lakes Care for their persistent therapy and care. He was a real Champ!

He loved to cook and was great at it, and he made the best popcorn in the world.

Tom had some “favorite lessons” for his grandkids. *He taught them how to change a traffic light from red to green with the snap of his fingers. *He taught them life is best when you laugh at it. *He taught them that squirrels are the enemy and they will go down with lemon juice squirt guns. *He taught them that sneaking cookies make them taste better. *He taught them that humor is a sign of strength. He taught them that Love is gentle.

Tom's door was open to everyone and most of all he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, laughing and enjoying life.

On September 4, 1954, Tom married Donna (Tennyson) who survives. Also surviving is one son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Karen Yoder, South Bend, two daughters and sons-in-law, Judy Lynn and Ken Amarose, Acworth, Georgia and Darla Kay and Scott Eberly of North Manchester, Indiana.

Tom loved and enjoyed his eight grandchildren: Nathaniel (Casey) Amarose of Nevada City, California; Brandon (Danni) Yoder of South Bend, Keegan (Kayla) Yoder of South Bend, Meghan Yoder of South Bend, Matthew (Erin) Eberly of Fishers, Indiana, Andrew (Kasie) Eberly of Silver Lake, Indiana, Kyle (Mark) Eberly of Los Angeles, California, and Kaytlyn (Bobby) Eberly of North Manchester, Indiana. He was also blessed with seven great grandchildren: Jonathan, Hannah, Joanna, Rachel, Jacob, Kaine, and Tatum.

He is survived by two sisters, Joyce (Doug) Blake of Russellville, Tennessee, and Elaine Pipke of Florida, and one brother, John (Nancy) Wood of Milford, Indiana and sister-in-law, Judy Robinson of South Bend, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Tom had a special “extended family.” Paul & Marilyn Elliott, Larry & Shirley Vanderbosch, Larry & Barbara Varda, Mary Lou Thompson, Roseann Eddy, Doug & Jan Cowen, Dick & Karen Bauer, George & Alice Preissing, Carolyn Rishaug, and Donald & Rosemary Onderdonk.

Tom made a difference in so many people's lives and he will be deeply missed.

Visitation for Tom will be 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Thursday, January, 7th at Palmer Funeral Home, River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, with a memorial celebration immediately following, led by Rev. Dr. Patrick Somers. Online condolences may be sent to the Yoder family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Tom was the sweetest man I ever knew. Goodbye my love, and thank you.