Perry E. Yoder

Perry E. Yoder, 71, of Goshen, died early Friday morning, September 10, 2010, at home after a ten month illness. He was born in Middlebury on April 13, 1939, to the late Ervin J. and Barbara Ann (Eash) Yoder.  He married Gail Peak on March 20, 1965, at the North Goshen Mennonite Church.  She survives. Also surviving are two children, Allan W. Yoder and Holly Yoder, both of Goshen; four sisters, Edna Bechtel, Lydia Ann Miller, Barbara (Vernon) Miller and Bertha (Jay) Bontrager Rhodes, all of Goshen; and a brother, Wilbur (Evelyn) Yoder of Middlebury. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sylvia Miller, earlier in 2010. He was an active member of North Goshen Mennonite Church serving as treasurer and on the Stewardship Commission.  He was also a member of Maplecrest Country Club and  a member and past president of the Iron Horsemen Motorcycle Club .  He raced motorcycles professionally until 1969 and won two state championships. Mr. Yoder was past CEO of Carriage, Inc., in Millersburg; founder and owner of Maple Leaf Inc. from 1970 to 1979; and president of L&W Engineering until his retirement in 2007 and still serving on its board.  He served on the board and as a past president of the IMHA-IVRA; and was co-chair and committee member of the Midwest RV Show in South Bend. He served his 1W service in Sarasota, Florida from 1961-63. Friends may call 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, September 12, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. An 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 13, 2010, memorial service will be held at North Goshen Mennonite Church with Pastor Dean Linsenmeyer and family friend Pastor Mel Shetler of Maple City Chapel officiating. A private burial will be held in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions  may be made to North Goshen Mennonite Church or to the Nappanee Boys & Girls Club.