Robert Lee Yoder

Mr. Yoder was a pilot.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. June 15 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Grand Junction.

Survivors include his wife, Faith of Grand Junction; two sons, Lynn of Colorado Springs, and Jay of Phoenix; one daughter, Sonya McGee of Grand Junction; one sister, Rene Auker of Mifflintown, Pa.; and four grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, Tenn. 37214-0800, or to HopeWest & Hospice, 3090B North 12th St., Grand Junction 81506.

Robert Yoder August 23, 1933 – June 1, 2013 On June 1, 2013, Bob Yoder heard that familiar phrase: ""you are cleared for take-off"". This flight was different from the others he had made - this took him into the arms of Jesus. Bob was born on August 23, 1933, to Newton and Edith Yoder in Allensville, Pennsylvania. He is the youngest of six children. Preceding him in death are his brothers, George, Paul, Roy and James. He is survived by one sister, Rena Auker, of Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. He married Faith French on June 11, 1960. She survives. They were looking forward to celebrating their 53rd anniversary. He is also survived by two sons, Lynn Yoder, Colorado Springs; Jay Yoder, Phoenix, and one daughter, Sonya (Vern) McGee, Grand Junction; four grandchildren, Kevin and Garrett Yoder, both of Phoenix; Ross (Lia) McGee of Westcliffe, CO, and Lauren McGee of Grand Junction. We must not forget the beloved Brittany Spaniel, AKA ""BRITT"". Bob began his flying career at the age of 21. He was a charter pilot and flight instructor at Miller Wolfe Aviation in Colorado Springs. The family moved to Grand Junction in 1977, where he became a charter pilot and flight instructor for Monarch Aviation. In addition, he served as the FAA examiner for the Grand Junction area. In 1984, he became the corporate pilot for Excel Energy - he loved flying that King Air! He retired in 1996. He loved to fly, hike, hunt, fish, ride motor cycles, and tell stories. He was an avid Bronco and Central Warrior Football fan. Bob had a passion to share the Gospel with others. This passion took him on mission trips to Kenya, Romania and Russia. He also saw opportunities locally and was involved in the Jail Ministry at the Mesa County Jail. Most currently, he was a member of Gideon International, served as a Deacon at Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he also drove the church bus. Most of his passengers were children. They loved Bob!! Bob knew no stranger and always had a funny story to tell. A week prior to his death, he had his entire family with him. He, as always, was the life of the party. Wherever Bob was, there was laughter. His smile and his laugh were infectious! Bob touched many lives in his 79 years. He will be greatly missed by all. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 15, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church (395 31 5/8 Road). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gideon International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37218-0800 or to Hope West & Hospice, 3090B North 12th St. Grand Junction, CO 81506. (See, dad! I told you that you would fly again someday!)

Published in The Daily Sentinel on June 7, 2013