Jesse Jason Yoder

     Jesse Jason Yoder was born to David and Savilla (Bender) Yoder on September 6, 1931 in Greenwood, DE. As a youth, he graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School and on Dec. 25, 1951, he married Gladys Wert who supported him faithfully for 73 years. They raised a family of seven children: Shirley, married to Maynard Miller; David, married to Ellie (Shertzer); Paul, married to Erma(Byler); Jonathan, married to Heleen (van den Brink); and Naomi, married to Robert Miller. He was preceded in death by all his siblings and their spouses, his wife Gladys, two sons, Robert and Joseph, daughter in law, Dawn (Good), and two great grandsons, Bennett, and Mitchell.  Surviving are 23 grandchildren and 88 great grandchildren.

     As a licensed electrician, he established many fruitful relationships, working many years as an independent contractor for Warfel Construction in Milford, DE. 

     He was ordained to the ministry in 1962 and served the Central Mennonite Church for 49 years. During this time, he served a term on the Rosedale Mennonite Mission Board. A few years later he served a term on Rosedale Bible Institute’s Board. Both of these experiences were enjoyable and rewarding for him. 

     In 1971 they built a house in the Dover area to be closer to the church. In 1975 he took the initiative to begin a Christian day school at Central into which he and Gladys poured their energies and commitment for many years of selfless service.   

     Bro. Jesse will be remembered for his love of people and his gift of encouragement through phone calls, many encouraging letters, and personal contacts in which his concern and interest was evident. He loved Jesus with all his heart, and his faith will be an enduring legacy.

     A viewing will be held at Central Mennonite Church, 220 W. Denny’s Rd. Dover, Delaware 19904, on Friday, March 27, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and also one hour before the memorial service, which will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The burial will follow in the Central Church Cemetery.

    A livestream of the service will be available at this link: Click here to view live stream.

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Christian School, 220 West Denny’s Rd. Dover, DE 19904.

     The family thanks VITAS (Hospice) for their excellent care, our church family, and many friends and relatives for their kindness, support, prayers, and gifts of love.

     Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com