Clayton "Dale" Yoder, 94, of Hesston, KS died on September 29, 2022, surrounded by family.
Dale was born on May 11, 1928, to Orpha (Johnston) and Lawrence Yoder at home near
Windom, KS. The youngest of 3 children, Dale attended Westfield Country School. He went to
high school for 3 years in McPherson and 1 year at Hesston Academy, graduating in 1946. Dale
enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952 and was a Seabee stationed in Guam and the Philippines for 4
years. He was very proud of his service to his country.
Dale married Vera Beyler on July 27, 1956. They celebrated 64 years together. They raised
their family in their country home in rural McPherson County where they lived for 56 years. He is
survived by his five children, Ron (Anne) Yoder of Silver Lake, KS, Jan (Tony) Beckler of
Beaver Crossing, NE, Cinda (Bill) Cubbage of Hesston, KS, Judy (Kenton) Graber of
Lecompton, KS, and Dean (Tanya) Yoder of Coldwater, KS. He is also survived by fourteen
grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Also surviving him is sister-in-law Alta (Will) Rempel
of Meade, KS.
Dale loved camping with his family, playing sports with his kids and grandkids and giving sled
rides in the snow behind the tractor. He made backstops and carpet ball tables for his kids
which are still enjoyed to this day.
Dale worked for 30 years as a welder at the NCRA Refinery in McPherson, KS. After retirement,
Dale kept busy volunteering, and attending his grandchildren's many sporting events and
activities. Dale and Vera were proud and loyal supporters of the Inman Teutons and were
named Grand Marshall of the Inman parade in 2013. For seven years, Dale and Vera hosted
the Inman first grade field trip to their farm. The couple hosted many community and church
events around their campfire. Dale made a barrel train in his retirement, and he enjoyed giving
rides to his grandchildren. You would often see Dale at community events and parades giving
barrel train rides. Dale was always willing to help family, friends, neighbors, or anyone who
needed a hand.
Dale was a long-time member of South Hutchinson Mennonite Church. He was a Charter
Member of Journey@McPherson Church and most recently attended Hesston Mennonite
Church.
Preceding him in death were his wife Vera, his parents Orpha & Lawrence Yoder, sister Vesta
(Bob) Giltner, brother Gene (Dorothy) Yoder, mother and father-in-law, Christ and Clara Beyler,
sister-in-law Velma (Alvin) Weaver, brother-in-law Victor (Elsie) Beyler, and brother-in-law
Clayton (Gladys) Beyler.
Dale was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and he will be deeply
missed and forever in our hearts. Graveside services are scheduled for Saturday, October 8 th ,
2022, at 10:00 am at Monitor Church of the Brethren Cemetery, McPherson County, KS.
Friends and family are welcome to bring lawn chairs. Lunch will follow service. Memorial
donations may be made to Camp Mennoscah, c/o Dale Yoder Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 65,
Murdock, KS 67111