Melvin J. Yoder, 81, Nappanee, died at 12:50 a.m. Sunday, March 6, 2016, with his family by his side at his daughters home in Etna Green. He was born Oct. 6, 1934, in Kosciusko County to Jonas and Nancy (Slabaugh) Yoder. He lived his lifetime in this area. On April 7, 1959, he married Barbara Stutzman in Nappanee.

Mr. Yoder was a retired factory worker. He was a Bishop and member of the Old Order Amish Church.

Mr. Yoder is survived by his wife: Barbara; children: Lloyd (Kathy) Yoder, Goshen; Lamar (Barbara) Yoder; Linda Yoder, both of Nappanee; Lavon Yoder; Leora (Daryl) Burkholder; Lynn (Michele) Yoder, all of Wakarusa; Lauren (Earl) Chupp, Etna Green; 15 grandchildren; brothers: Edwin (Barbara) Yoder, Nappanee; Elmer (Carolyn) Yoder, Goshen; sisters: Mary (Levi) Chupp, Etna Green; Martha (Walter) Miller; Elizabeth (Lamar) Hochstetler, both of Nappanee. Preceding in death are his parents; brother: Ivan Yoder; sister: Edna Helmuth; sister-in-law: Edna Yoder; Wilma Yoder; and brother-in-law: Edwin Helmuth.

Family and friends may call after 3 p.m. Monday, March 7, and all day Tuesday, March 8, at the Merlin Yoder Residence, 25115 County Road 54, where funeral Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 9.

Bishop Marion Schwartz and the Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate. Burial will be in West Union Cemetery.