Published: June 11, 2009 10:28 am      

Jerry L. Yoder

Aug. 13, 1936-June 8, 2009

SEBRING, Fla. — Jerry L. Yoder, 72, formerly of Syracuse, Ind., died Monday at Highlands Regional Medical Center, Sebring.

He was born Aug. 13, 1936, in Goshen, Ind., to Walter and Virginia (Lee) Yoder.

He is survived by his loving and caring wife and partner in Christ, Diane (Veach) Yoder. They were married in July 2007.

Also surviving are four sons, Jerry Dean Yoder, Firestone, Colo., Mike Yoder and Steve Yoder, both of Syracuse, Ind., Bob (Etta) Yoder, Cromwell, Ind.; daughter, Christina Nicole (Justin) Hamilton and former wife Belinda Yoder, both of Nashville, Tenn.; sister, Linda Yoder, New York City; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marilyn Brown; and former wife, Julie Yoder.

He received a Bachelor’s degree in education from Ball State University, Muncie, and Master’s degree in education from St. Francis College, Fort Wayne. He went on to become a teacher and head coach in Indiana for many years with his last tenure at West Noble High School, Ligonier.

He was an executive at North American Van Lines in Fort Wayne and San Jose, Calif. In 1981, he relocated to Nashville, Tenn., to eventually become president and CEO of Comdata Network. He retired from Fleetone in Nashville and relocated to Sebring.

He was an avid golfer, a Notre Dame fan and a member of Southside Baptist Church, Sebring, and Judson Baptist Church, Nashville.

Friends may call Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Mishler-Eastlund Funeral Home, Harris Chapel, Syracuse, where the funeral service will take place Saturday at 1 p.m. The Rev. Harlan Steffen will lead the service.

Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery with military honors conducted by members of the Syracuse American Legion and VFW.

Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.

Mishler-Eastlund Funeral Home, Harris Chapel, Syracuse, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mishlerfuneralhome.com.