Arnold Jay Yoder's Obituary
Arnold "Arnie" Yoder: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Joy (1942-2023)
Arnold Yoder, a beloved husband of 59 years, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother, passed away peacefully after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of love, craftsmanship, and joy. Known affectionately as "Arnie" and sometimes playfully as "Ornery," he touched the lives of so many, not just his family but the broader community as well.
Born and raised on a farm in Greenwood, Delaware, with nine siblings, Arnie's early life was filled with the richness of family and hard work. He attended Greenwood Mennonite School, began working with Lawrence Mast logging trees, and later worked at Hallaway Auto in Federalsburg, Maryland. His love for mechanics stayed with him, leading to his cherished collection of vintage Triumph TR3 sports cars. These cars were more than a hobby; they were a symbol of his enduring love for intricate machinery, frequently showcased in local shows and parades.
At age 18, Arnie went to Kansas City, where he served in I-W Civilian Service at Kansas University Medical Center from 1960 to 1962. He and his buddies each owned TR3 sports cars - hence his love for his British cars.
After traveling to the west coast in an Austin Healy, Arnie returned home to Delaware and took a job with his now brother-in-law, Gene Willey. Gene introduced his sister, June Willey, to Arnie. Arnie and June were married in 1964. Together they raised two children, Rodney Yoder (Holly) and Shelia Pritchett (Kevin), and nurtured a family that expanded to include grandchildren Nicholas (Laura), Josh (Katie), Iva, Sommer (Connor), Lexi, Mia, Jack, and Elizabeth and six great-grandchildren.
They moved to Pennsylvania for a short time after they married but soon came back to Greenwood, where he went to work at a local cabinet shop, learning to build custom cabinets. He worked for Paul Hostetler, a custom homebuilder in Seaford, where he learned to build quality homes.
In 1972, he built his own cabinet shop and in 1985 began building his new residence. His perfectionism is evident through his craft as a cabinet maker and countertop builder. For 50 years, he owned and operated Arnold's Cabinet Shop, a well-known and respected business in the community. His work was not merely a trade but an art form, leaving a lasting impression in many hearts and homes.
Arnie recently retired and enjoyed porch-sitting, reading the paper, and spending time with his beloved family. He looked forward to Saturday morning breakfasts with his buddies Dale Carter and Jay Schlabach. His regular outings to dine were not only about the food but also the friendships he cultivated with waitresses and servers. Arnie's playful humor made him the heart of family gatherings, always ensuring those around him were smiling.
As we say goodbye to Arnie, we find peace in the fact that he knew Jesus and we will see him again one day. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his spirit, encapsulated in his laughter, love, and the beauty of his craftsmanship, will live on forever.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Framptom Funeral Home - Fleischauer Chapel in Greenwood, with Reverend Charles Clayborn Officiating. Burial will follow at St. Johnstown Cemetery in Greenwood. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Friday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to the start of the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests ordering a meal at a locally owned restaurant, teasing the waitress, and leaving a decent tip. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Greenwood United Methodist Church, 101 West Market St. Greenwood, DE, 19950.
Share memories with the family at www.framptom.com
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