Ferdinard M. Yoder

Ferdinand M. Yoder, 74, of Alliance, Ohio, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 8, 2013. At a gospel tent meeting, when Ferd was a teenager, he placed all of his trust in Christ as his Savior. Through all the trials and temptations he faced in his life, God's mercy and grace always protected him.
One of Ferd's final requests was to have the Gospel (the Good News!) of Jesus written clearly and for all who read this to understand that he is in heaven now ONLY because he placed all of his trust and faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, his Lord, Savior and Redeemer ALONE and not in any "religion." As it says in the Bible in the book of Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV - "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
As you read this, pray as it says in Psalms 139:23-24 ESV - "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Ferd wanted nothing more than for you to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and truly know that He is your only hope; and in eternity, you will be glad you trusted Him as your Lord and Savior.
Ferdinand was a loving husband, father and grandfather and is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nancy (May) Yoder, children Jeffrey (KayDee) Yoder of Clinton, OH, Jodi (Stephen) Elkins of St. Joseph, IL, Dan (Jennifer) Yoder of Clinton, OH; his siblings Moses (Cindy) Yoder of Cleveland, OH, Cora (Nati) Delarca of Honduras, Ann (Don) Titchenal of Salem, OR, Liz Peterson of McDonough, GA, Katie (Herman) Hochstetler of Hartville, OH, grandchildren Emily Yoder, Tyler (Deborah) Yoder, Zachary Elkins, Olivia Elkins, Samuel Elkins, Ian Yoder and Ashten Yoder; in-laws of predeceased siblings Susie Yoder of Alliance, OH, Nancy Yoder of Stockbridge, GA, Ed Hall of Louisville, OH; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was born in Fredericksburg, Ohio to the late Moses D. and Mary (Miller) Yoder, who preceded him in death along with his siblings, Martha Nie, Barbara Hall, Fran Jennings, Harvey Yoder and Dan Yoder.
Ferd was a respected Mason Contractor, which was his vocation for over 40 years. He mentored three generations of Masons including his two sons, many nephews and was always willing to help any of his extensive family and friends with providing them a job if needed. He also used this God given talent to serve the Lord on various missions' trips by helping to build churches in Honduras and Moldova.
At several different churches, Ferd was a Sunday school teacher, a choir member, and also served as a deacon and trustee. He belonged to the Gideon International and attended Maranatha Bible Church in Green at the time of his death.
A celebration of his life will be held at Maranatha Bible Church, 1424 Killian Road, Akron OH 44312, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2013 with Pastor Butch Pursley officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideon International, PO Box 3154, Alliance, OH 44601.