Dr. Richard P. Yoder

Dr. Richard P. Yoder, 93, Bluffton, died at 2:35 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, 2010 at Bluffton Regional Medical Center. He was born on Nov. 26, 1917 to John L. and Bertha (Krabill) Yoder. Dr. Yoder was born and raised on the family farm in West Liberty, Ohio as the eldest of seven children. In addition to four sisters and two brothers, he also had a foster brother. After graduating from high school and attending Urbana Community College, he received his B.A. from Goshen College in 1939. He continued with medical school at Ohio State University College of Medicine, graduating in 1943. While completing his internship and residency at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio he met and married his wife of 66 years, Marie (Walsvick), who was completing her dietetic internship. After moving to Bluffton, Dr. Yoder practiced Internal Medicine at the Caylor-Nickel Clinic and Hospital for 41 years. Dr. Yoder was a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine, Fellow of the American College of Physicians, member of the American Society of Internal Medicine, the American Electro-Encephalography Society, the American Geriatric Society, the American Academy of Medical Directors, and the AMA. He is a past president of the Wells County Medical Society. Dr. Yoder served the Caylor-Nickel Clinic and Hospital as Chairman of the Department of Medicine, President of the Hospital Staff, and as the elected Medical Director of the Caylor-Nickel Clinic for seven years. His tenure was characterized by excellence of performance and ethical integrity. Dr. Yoder served on the Board of Directors for the Caylor-Nickel Research Foundation for many years as well. Dr. Yoder was an active member of the First United Methodist Church where he served first as Secretary and then President of the Board of the Church and Chairperson of the Council of Ministries. He also headed the Mission Commission supporting Dr. Don Rudy and Dr. Robert Simpson serving as missionaries in Africa. Dr. Yoder and wife Marie are members of the Anchor Sunday school class. Dr. Yoder was an involved leader of Boy Scouts accompanying the troop on countless Jamborees and canoe trips as well and as serving as a member of the Executive Board of the Anthony Wayne Boy Scout Council. From 1959, when he purchased his first Airstream trailer, Dr. Yoder loved to travel with family and was a charter member of the Fort Wayne Airstream Unit. Travels included every contiguous state, Canada and Mexico. Dr. Yoder continued to travel until recently when health concerns sadly abbreviated this beloved activity. In addition to travel, Dr. Yoder enjoyed woodworking, building electronic components and gardening, especially vegetables, grapes, and fruit trees. His kindness and gentle manner will be sadly missed by his former patients, colleagues, friends and family. In addition to his wife Marie, whom he married on June 24, 1944 in Cincinnati, Ohio, he is survived by a son, Richard P. “Rick” (Carol) Yoder of Bluffton; two daughters, Carol (Glenn) McGuire of Richmond and Caryn (David) Purdy of Denver, N.C.; two sisters, Mary Jeanette Yoder of Columbus, Ohio and Carolyn (Maynard) Sauder of Archbold, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Andrew (Christy) Yoder of Crown Point, Cameron (Mike) Lain of Brownsburg; Scott (Stephanie) Felix of Avon; Ryan Purdy, Susan Purdy, Christa Purdy and Marc Purdy, all of Denver, N.C.; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Joann Weaver and Louise Leatherman; and two brothers, Joseph D. Yoder and J. Samuel Yoder. Services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Cindy Osgood and Pastor Glenn McGuire officiating. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Thoma/Rich, Chaney & Lemler Funeral Home and Wednesday for one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Elm Grove Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to the Bashor Children’s Home. Online condolences may be made at www.thomarich.com

Dr. Richard P. Yoder

November 26, 1917 - December 23, 2010