MIDDLEBURY — Kenneth E. Yoder, 83, of Middlebury, passed away Thursday, May 15, at his son's residence in Sparta, Tenn.

He was born April 30, 1931, in Goshen to Mearl J. and Mary Ann (Hatfield) Yoder.


Yoder (Photo Supplied / The Elkhart Truth)
On Sept. 2, 1950, he married Sue D. (Tryon) Yoder. She preceded him in death March 24, 2008.

Survivors include two sons, Kessler (Lisa) Yoder of Sparta and Kim E. (Kimberly J.) Yoder of Avon; six grandchildren, Dustin (Elsie) Miller of Middlebury, Russell (Miranda) Yoder of Spring Hill, Tenn., Kristopher (Sarrah Farris) Yoder of Indianapolis, Bobbi Yoder of Dewey, Ariz., Brandon (Jacqueline) Will of Cookeville, Tenn., and Sean Will of Sparta; and five great-grandchildren, Lauren, Katelyn and Logan Miller, all of Middlebury, and Konnor and Eva Yoder of Indianapolis.

Kenneth served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1952 to 1954. He was employed as a driver for Pritt Tire & Axle Inc. in Bristol for more than 15 years prior to his retirement in 1996.

Following retirement, Kenneth often enjoyed golfing and fishing at Sparta Bass Club. He had been an active member of Mt. Gilead Methodist Church. He cherished time with family and friends and enjoyed cruising in the Caribbean.

The family will receive friends three hours prior to the 7 p.m. funeral service Tuesday, May 20, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Pastor Perry Clayton will officiate.

Graveside services will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, in Oakridge Cemetery, Bristol, where military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard.

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