Alan K. Yoder, O.D., 86, of Bluffton, died on the morning of September 28, 2026 at the Frieda House at Willow Ridge (Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio).

Alan Yoder was born on January 22, 1940, in Berne, Indiana to the late Albert and Ellen (Liechty) Yoder. On September 17, 1961, he married Diann Habegger, who preceded him in death on November 10, 2021.

Alan is survived by two sons, Mark (Julie) Yoder of Bluffton and Michael (Rebecca) Yoder of Indianapolis; six grandchildren, Paul (Naomi) Yoder, David (Anna) Yoder, Rachel (Nathan) West, Austin (Samantha) Yoder, Alec Yoder, and Ashlyn Yoder; three great-grandsons; four great-granddaughters; and his identical twin brother, Tony (Virginia) Yoder.

Alan graduated from Berne-French High School and later studied optometry at Indiana University.

Alan began practicing optometry in Bluffton in 1965 after purchasing Dr. Gordon Bixel’s practice. He loved serving the community’s eye care needs for over 55 years and retired at age 80. Active in organized optometry, he also helped provide vision care on international medical mission trips.

Alan’s personal relationship with Jesus was central to his life, as reflected by his personal salvation testimony and its legacy to his family. He also showed this through his membership at Ebenezer Church and active involvement in its ministries. He participated in Gideons International, served for many years on the Youth for Christ board, and helped with the group that established the Et Cetera Shop. 

Alan’s community service included serving as president of the Bluffton Businessmen’s Association, the Bluffton Industrial Expansion Corporation and the Lions Club. He served on the Bluffton Hospital board and spent 40 years on the Citizens National Bank board. 

Alan loved his family and enjoyed his friends, traveling, fishing, camping, golf, a good joke, card games–especially bridge and hearts–motorsports, medium-well filet mignon and spending time in Florida. 

Alan’s service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026 at Ebenezer Church in Bluffton. Friends may call on Sunday, October 4 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services in Bluffton.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions may be made to Pandora-Bluffton Youth for Christ or Ebenezer Church.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.