Jerry L. Yoder

Jerry L. Yoder, 72, of Sebring, Florida and formerly of Syracuse passed away Monday, June 8, 2009 at Highlands Regional Medical Center in Sebring. He was born August 13, 1936 in Goshen, Indiana to Walter & Virginia (Lee) Yoder. He is survived by his loving and caring wife and partner in Christ Diane (Veach) Yoder; they were married in July of 2007.

Jerry received a Bachelor's degree in Education from Ball State University in Muncie and a Masters in Education from St. Francis College in Fort Wayne. He went on to become a teacher and Head Coach in Indiana schools for many years with his last tenure at West Noble High School in Ligonier. He was an executive at North American Van Lines in Fort Wayne and San Jose, California; and in 1981 he relocated to Nashville, Tennessee to eventually become President and CEO of Comdata Network. He then retired from Fleetone in Nashville and relocated to Sebring, Florida. He was an avid golfer and Notre Dame Fan, and a member of Southside Baptist Church in Sebring and Judson Baptist Church in Nashville. He was also a US Air Force veteran from 1954 - 1963 serving in England and Washington, DC at the Pentagon.

Other survivors include 4 sons: Jerry Dean Yoder of Firestone, Colorado; Mike and Steve Yoder both of Syracuse, and Bob (Etta) Yoder of Cromwell. 1 daughter: Christina Nicole (Justin) Hamilton and former wife Belinda Yoder both of Nashville, Tennessee. 9 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren. 1 sister: Linda Yoder of New York City. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister: Marilyn Brown, and former wife Julie Yoder.

Services will be on Saturday, June 13, 2009, 1:00 PM at Mishler-Eastlund Funeral Home, Harris Chapel, Syracuse with Pastor Harlan Steffen officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Milford with military honors conducted by members of the Syracuse American Legion and VFW.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 12 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be directed to the American Lung Association