Leslie D. Yoder passed away peacefully at a family hunting cabin in Bedford, PA on October 29. Born in Gap, the son of Amos and Gertrude Yoder, he was married to Suzanne Kepiro Yoder for 42 years. He is survived by 2 sons; Shane (married to Katelyn), and Jordan, along with 2 grandchildren; Marlowe and Jack, and his 7 brothers and sisters; Velma, Melanie, Judith, Amy, Arlin, Twila, and Karl. Les was a member of Petra Church, where he served in full-time missions. For more than 50 years Les dedicated himself to work in the Ag industry. While he held many roles, from a basic farmhand to conducting field research – even marketing and becoming a partner in a small business – Les was especially fond of working with dairy cows (and even the farmers that raised them). His love of farming led him to the mission field, and in 2013 he formed AgConnect Ministries, a non-profit organization that helps spread the gospel to areas of the world that lack a thriving agricultural infrastructure. He served as founder and Executive Director until his death. Les spent several weeks of the year overseas in Eastern Europe, most significantly in Moldova, where he formed many special and lasting partnerships and friendships. Throughout his life, Les was often involved in youth ministry. He and his wife were privileged to lead many groups of teens on work trips to Fair Haven Camp in Maine, a place he loved dearly and visited every year. In addition to leading work trips to Camp, Les also served on the Board of Directors for a number of years. Les loved to spend time outdoors, whether it was hunting or fishing or reading a book on the patio. He was a wonderful support to his sons in their hobbies and interests, and always found energy to play with his grandchildren. He was a trusted leader, servant, and friend.

Funeral service will take place from the Petra Church, 565 Airport Road, New Holland, PA, on Monday, November 6th at 11 a.m.  There will be a viewing time at Petra Church on Sunday, November 5th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and again on Monday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be in the Petra Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Les's honor to AgConnect Ministries (www.agconnectministries.org) or Fair Haven Camps (www.fairhavencamps.org/donate).