Mar 1, 1943 — Jun 30, 2026
Lester Wayne Yoder, age 83, of Greenville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
He was born on March 1, 1943, in Greenville, Ohio, to the late Rufus Yoder and Berla (Boone) Yoder.
In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by his siblings, Omar (Doloris) Yoder, Lester (Joan) Mohler, Carl (Phyllis) Yoder, Joe Yoder; sister-in-law, Linda Stebbins; and nephew, Danny Suter.
Lester is survived by his loving wife, Sheila (Stebbins) Yoder; his children, Lucas (Olga) Yoder, John (Lynn) Yoder, David Yoder, and JoAnna (Bryan) Fenstermaker; his sister, Chloe (David) Suter; his grandchildren, Zach Huff, Katelyn Yoder, Nathan Fenstermaker, and Keira Fenstermaker; his great-grandson, Maverick Huff; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Lester dedicated more than 30 years to the construction industry, working for Frizzell Construction before owning and operating Y&S Construction. He was a skilled craftsman with an unmatched work ethic. It was common for his sons to work alongside him during his jobs on the evenings and weekends. He built his own home, and countless other homes in Eaton and the surrounding area, alongside Sheila, built and managed duplexes in Greenville for many years. He prided himself on his carpentry skills. There wasn’t much Lester couldn’t fix, earning him the reputation as being the family and friend’s dependable handyman.
A faithful member of Castine Church, Lester’s relationship with the Lord was the foundation of his life. He lived his faith through his generosity, kindness, and willingness to serve others.
He never knew a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere and before long they felt like old friends. Lester found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing and his yearly family trips to Michigan, gardening, mowing the lawn, and spending time in Preble County. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandson. He loved baseball and never missed a ballgame. Affectionately known as the “Cookie Man,” Lester delighted in baking his famous oatmeal cookies and sharing them with anyone he met. One of his greatest adventures was traveling halfway around the United States and Europe by bicycle, a testament to his adventurous spirit and determination.
Lester will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his hardworking hands, his generous heart, and the countless lives he touched through simple acts of kindness. His legacy will live on in the homes he built, the family he cherished, and the many people blessed to know him.
Memorial contributions may be given to Castine Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Lester’s memory.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus.
A funeral service will follow at 10:00 AM on Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Greg Hyre officiating.
A celebration of Lester’s life will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.tributefuneralhomes.com.
