Owen Darrel Yoder, 94, died on May 3, 2017 at Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. Darrel was the eldest child born on March 5, 1923, in Nappanee, Indiana, to the late Owen J. and Verda (Yoder) Yoder.
Darrel graduated from Topeka High School, in Topeka, Indiana. He attended Bluffton College and after serving in the armed forces graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
During World War II, he enlisted as a Cadet in the Army Air Corps. After surviving a serious plane crash, he continued his career with the Army Air Corps as a pilot and was later honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant.
His love of flying led him to obtaining his commercial certificate and a 32-year career as a pilot for Pan American World Airways, Atlantic Division where he flew to Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
After over 30 years of commercial piloting, while living in New Jersey and raising their two children, Darrel became a part-time flight instructor and glider pilot.
In 1950, he married Mary Locher. Darrel was a member of the First Mennonite Church in Bluffton and the Quiet Birdmen - New York and Toledo Hangars.
Survivors include his wife Mary Yoder of Bluffton; a daughter, Anne (Dean) Stites of Portland, Oregon; a son, Mark (Debbie) Yoder of Denver, Colorado; two grandchildren, Jay Stites and Marianne Stites; a brother, Dave Yoder of Ottawa; two sisters, Jean Lambert of Aurora, Colorado, Joanne Gundy of Goshen, Indiana; and 10 nieces and nephews.
Darrel was preceded in death by his grandson, John Yoder, who was killed in a tragic accident in 2016.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 13, at the First Mennonite Church, Bluffton. Pastors George O'Reilly and Wanda Stopher officiating.
Private burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton, following the service. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until time of the service and following the service during the fellowship meal at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bluffton University.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
