Earl Wesley Yoder's Obituary
Earl Wesley Yoder was born April 16, 1927 in Harper, KS to Henry and Nettie Yoder. He passed away Friday, April 5, 2019, just shy of his 92nd birthday.Wes had early schooling in a two-room schoolhouse in Crystal Springs, KS where he often rode his horse, Daisy, to school. He was active in all sports, but baseball remained his true passion.In the summer of 1950, as he was dragging Main Street in Harper, he caught the eye of a black-haired, green-eyed beauty, Nardith Louise Carr. They were married March 31, 1951 and enjoyed 61 amazing years together.Together they spent 22 months in San Antonio, TX where Wes served in the U.S. Army. On dishcarge, they moved to Lawrence, Kansas where he earned his Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from KU. While there, Wes chose to give up a baseball scholarship to work as a butcher so he could best support his growing family.After graduation, Wes worked in various states, finally settling down in Tulsa where he took a job with Rockwell/Boeing. He thoroughly enjoyed working for Boeing; he didn’t retire until he reached the age of 81!! Through the years, Wes was respected for his fairness and integrity in dealing with contractors. Two of his most interesting jobs were building underground missile storage silos and working on the early Apollo space program for NASA in Merritt Island, Florida.Wes and Nardy raised six kids. As busy as they were, they found time to support their kids (and grandkids) in their numerous activities. It was a busy life, and he enjoyed it. Wes was an avid golfer and he had his final hole in one at the age of 81. He especially adored playing Wednesday mornings with Wayne and his Senior buddies at The Woods Golf Club.Wes is predeceased by his parents, sister Fern, brothers Floyd and Ellis, and his wife Nardith. He is survived by Scott and Sharon Yoder of Tulsa, Dalene Lawrence of Tulsa, Diana and Gary Garbe of Owasso, Steve and Becky Yoder of Tulsa, D.J. and Joe Yarbrough of Argyle, Texas, Spencer and Melissa Yoder of Verdigris, and bonus daughter Traci Offutt of Tulsa, along with 19 of the most loving grand- and great-grandchildren in the world(!) as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. Sean Yoder, Shana and Bradley Griffin, Matt Lawrence, Chase Lawrence, Cooper and Megan Garbe, Cal Garbe, Connor Garbe, Tara Yoder, Brennan Yoder, Morgan Yarbrough, Molly Yarbrough, Maggie Yarbrough, Wyatt Yarbrough, Savanna Yoder, Skyler Yoder, Emmie Griffin, Kinsley Griffin, Greer Garbe, and Sloan Garbe, your Grandpa/Poppy was THANKFUL that you are EACH a part of his heart forever.Wes will be remembered for his humility, his “engineering” mind, willingness to teach, and deep and loyal love for family. He will also be remembered for his love of the St. Louis Cardinals and KU Jayhawks.He was the epitome of a true gentleman. We will miss you, Dad. We will miss you, Grandpa.To honor Wes, his family requests donations to be made in his name to the Salvation Army or to the Wounded Warrior Project.Visitation will be 5-7 pm, Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at Floral Haven Funeral HomeFuneral Service will be 12:30 pm, Thursday, April 11, 2019 at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel
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