Andrew A. "Junior" Yoder, Jr.

Andrew A. “Junior” Yoder, age 74, of Gnadenhutten, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, while in Cleveland Clinic Hospital at Cleveland.

The seventh of ten children born to the late Andrew A. and Lizzie Ann Miller Yoder, Junior was born in Millersburg, Ohio on March 12, 1950, and was a graduate of the former Madison High School in Guernsey County, Ohio.

Junior, whose faith was nurtured at the Rush Community Church of the Nazarene, was best described by this verse: “And I have filled him with the spirit of God, with skill and ability to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.” – Exodus 31: 3-5

On October 20, 1973, Junior’s prayers to find a helpmate in life were answered as he married the former Olive Ditcher, the love of his life and his true gift from God. Together the couple embraced family life, having three children As a couple, they would often be found working together in the kitchen preparing meals, co-creating special projects such as designing quilts, woodworking or home projects.

From a young age, Junior used his talents to serve his Lord, his family, and his career. As a member of Rush, Junior assisted the church in various remodeling projects, and had previously served as a Trustee and Recording Secretary. He enjoyed the challenge of making and creating things. He was called upon by numerous people to craft an endless variety of projects. If he saw a need, he was passionate about creating a solution. He could often be found tinkering in his woodshop, “Pop’s Shop”, where he created memorable and cherished gifts for family and friends that included spiral staircases, a harp, and convertible cribs for his grandchildren.

It was only natural that Junior was an Engineer by trade having the ability to see mechanical and industrial projects in his mind before they were even drafted. He began his career at Dover Conveyor, and moved along to Sparta Ceramics for a brief period before co-founding A&R Machine Company. He eventually found himself at Joy Manufacturing (Howden Buffalo) where he not only served as an engineer but served as the head of IT and ultimately retired from Beech Design.

Junior’s loving, giving, nature will be missed by his wife of 51 years, Olive, their children, Andrew V. (Rachel Rosenman) Yoder of Seattle, Washington, Ann (Sean) McConnell of Tuscarawas, and Marcy (Ben) Lee of Walton Hills, Ohio and his beloved grandchildren, Ryli and Bayli McConnell, Zoe, Roman, and Samuel Lee.

Also surviving are his siblings, David (Edith) Yoder, Mary Sprang, Katie Miller, Roy Yoder, Robert (Anne) Yoder, and Marvin (Judy) Yoder; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Edna Yoder, Joy Yoder, and Bonnie Montgomery, Alice (Dorsey) Davisson, Steve (Nancy) Ditcher, Carol (Mike) Lewis, Dee (Gary) Basiletti, and Diane (Randy) Emler as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Junior was preceded in death by his brothers, Abe A. Yoder, Vernon A. Yoder, to whom Junior donated his kidney, Ivan A. Yoder, sisters-in-law, Dorothy Yoder and Mary Ann Yoder; and a brother-in-law, Dennis Ditcher.

The family will greet guests on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A service celebrating Junior’s life will be led by Pastor Brett Warkentine on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 11 AM in the Rush Community Church of the Nazarene. A luncheon will immediately follow the service in the church’s social hall. A graveside service will be held in Union Cemetery at Uhrichsvillle on Monday at 2PM.

Memorial contributions in Junior’s name may be directed to Rush Community Church of the Nazarene, 4941 Rush Church Rd SE, Uhrichsville, OH 44683.