Dean L. Yoder, 90, passed away Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, at his home in Warsaw, Mo. Dean was surrounded by his children and family.
He was born Sept. 2, 1930, in Wellman, Iowa, the son of Roy and Irene (Slaubaugh) Yoder. On Dec. 28, 1950, Dean married the love of his life, Velma Weaver. They made their home in the Wellman area where Dean managed his father’s excavating business. Dean and Velma started their family in Iowa and they were blessed with five sons and one daughter. In 1962, the family relocated to Warsaw, Mo., in answer to a call of the Lord to support the ministries of Evening Shade Mennonite Church.
In 1968, Dean established Dean L. Yoder and Sons Excavating. He continued as an owner/operator until the age of 80. Dean and his eldest son, Elwin, formed a partnership in 1979, which continues to operate today. Throughout the years, Dean L. Yoder and Sons constructed lakes, ponds and also cleared land for local farmers.
Dean loved the Lord, he loved his family, he loved to minister to people in the community, he loved his work, and he loved great food. In addition to his ministries in the local church, Dean and Velma were deeply involved in a prison ministry called Gospel Echoes. They ministered at the Algoa Correctional Center in Jefferson City, Mo. From 1974 to 2019. Many lives were touched by this 45-year ministry,
Dean is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years: Velma Yoder; four sons: Elwin (Coleen) Yoder of Warsaw, Mo., Leon (Ellen) Yoder of Mercersburg, Pa., Loren (Sheri) Yoder of Carthage, Mo., and LaMonte (Rachelle) Yoder of Warsaw, Mo.; one daughter: Sandra Yoder of Warsaw, Mo.; one brother: Daniel Keith (Shirley) Yoder of Wellman; one brother-in-law: John Mark King of Wellman; 18 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and family and friends. Dean and Velma are lovingly considered as “Dad and Mom” and “Grandpa and Grandma” to countless others.
Dean is preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother: Vera Yoder; one sister: Ruth (Yoder) King; one infant son: Jerry Lynn; and one great-grandson: Malchi Yoder.
