Yoder.-Preacher Jonas D., son of Jonas and Katie Yoder, was born Jan. 12, 1864, on a farm near Belleville, Pa.; died Feb. 21, 1937; aged 73 y. 1 m. 9 d. He was preceded in death by two brothers (Rufus and David Z. Yoder), also two sisters (Lydia Peachey and Rebecca Smoker). On Jan. 21, 1886, he was united in marriage to Leah Yoder who died March 21, 1936. Three children and one foster daughter survive the passing of a loving father, namely: Mrs. Katie Hostetler, Mrs. Fronica Smoker, Harvey Yoder, and Mrs. Harvey Hostetler; also 1 brother (Samuel R. Yoder), all of near Belleville. He had been in ill health for about three months, due to a heart condition, and hence was unable to attend worship in the Locust Grove Church where he served as minister for over 32 years. He was ordained to the ministry in 1904 by Bishop Solomon Swartzendruber of Pigeon Mich. With returning physical strength he had been visiting the sick and felt that he could again serve his Lord by proclaiming divine truth. So on Sabbath morning he was taken to church and assumed his place in the pulpit and announced a hymn, "Building For Eternity." After the singing he read the 62nd Psalm, and announced his text for the morning sermon (Mark 11:22) "Have Faith in God." After speaking a few seconds he collapsed in the pulpit, was carried outside the church and placed in his car, where in a few minutes death claimed this zealous minister of the Gospel. Since his ordination he has been a faithful servant of the Christ in whom he believed and whose life he preached from the pulpit and by example among his fellowmen. He always took a deep interest in Church activities of this and neighboring communities. He was widely known among the people of his denomination, for he traveled much visiting and preaching among the Mennonite churches of many states and Canada.
He had the satisfaction of seeing his labors blessed, for together with his fellow ministers a large congregation steadily growing in numbers has been built up. "Work done for God, it dieth not." He was a friend of youth, he encouraged all activities that tended to build up young people. One of his frequent admonitions was, "Be a Man." He was deeply interested in the welfare of his fellow man and in spreading the Gospel. He preached to the unfortunates in jail, almshouses, and rural missions. He was much concerned about "the sheep that have wandered." The Church and community have lost a gift, a zealous worker even to the very end, and a consecrated Christian example.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the Locust Grove Mennonite Church. Many ministers of various denominations participated. A spirit of prayer and the fact of his being stricken while preaching made the occasion startlingly impressive.

"Now the laborer's task is over,
Now the battle day is past;
Now upon the farther shore,
Lands the voyager at last.
Father, in Thy gracious keeping,
Leave we now Thy servant sleeping."

Gospel Herald, March 11, 1937 - Vol. XXIX, No.50 - page 1070, 1071. 1072