Ezra J. “J.R.” Yoder, 88, of South Hutchinson, went to meet the Lord, on October 15, 2025, at Mennonite Friendship Communities. He was born July 21, 1937, in Weatherford, Oklahoma, to Ezra Sr. and Jemima (Mullet) Yoder.
Ezra grew up in the Old Order Amish church and was a member of Plainview Mennonite Church for many years. He worked as a custodian for Elreka Grade School and Partridge Elementary School. Later in life, Ezra would transport members of the Amish community to visit friends and relatives to different places. He enjoyed spending his free time hunting and loved fishing. Given the opportunity, Ezra would be found at the closest watering hole with his fishing pole.
On November 26, 1959, he married Fern Yoder in Garnett, Kansas. They shared 65 wonderful years together before his death.
Ezra is survived by: beloved wife, Fern Yoder of South Hutchinson; children, Darrell (Ruby) Yoder of Yoder, Carol (Ron) Helsel of West Jefferson, OH, Dave (Carolyn) Yoder of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Miriam (Bryant) Yoder, Marilyn Fisk (Caleb Stephens), Wade (Courteney) Beachy, Garrett (Allyson) Beachy, Jennifer (Zach) Riehl, Kristen (Jared) Yoder, and Megan Yoder; great-grandchildren, Clark and Carter Yoder, Casey Fisk, Emme and Titus Beachy, Cooper, Milo, and Edie Beachy, Brecken, Kayden and London Riehl, Axel, Tenley and Paxton Yoder; sister, Lena Miller of Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: parents, Ezra and Jemima Yoder; son, Raymond Edward Yoder; brothers, Andy, Benedict, and Jonas Yoder; sisters, Alma Herschberger and Katie Hershberger.
Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, October 18, 2025, and Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, October 19, 2025, both at Plainview Mennonite Church, 5610 W. Trail West Rd., Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Memorials are suggested to Mennonite Friendship Communities, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchison, KS 67501.