Joshua Allen Yoder

July 21, 1978 - June 14, 1996

God make my life a little light, within the world to glow; A tiny flame that burneth bright wherever I may go. -M. Benthan Edwards

The following eulogy was written by Kara Yoder, Joshua’s mother, a few days after his death in 1996.

Joshua Allen Yoder’s life ended in a baseball uniform he loved to wear. He was on his way to play in a summer league baseball game when his life was tragically ended. Baseball was his passion from a very young age. Although talented in other sports, baseball was his first love. I used to say he “ate, slept and breathed baseball.” Joshua worked hard to excel in the sport he loved, being chosen to play on elite traveling teams and earning his first varsity letter as a freshman. Baseball opened many doors of opportunity for him and his experience helped him grow from a shy child into a confident young man.

Joshua taught us many things in his short seventeen years. First, he taught us to love unconditionally. He genuinely loved people and was loved in return. Joshua was quiet and reserved with a delightful sense of humor. The warmth of his smile and his zest for life were contagious to all who crossed his path. At the age of eleven, when he was diagnosed with Type II Juvenile Diabetes, Joshua was met with his first real obstacle in life. He vowed this affliction would not stop him from realizing his goals and living his life to the fullest. He taught us to be determined and dedicated and to persevere in reaching our goals. There were no obstacles in his life - only challenges to be met.

Joshua’s time with us was short, but he touched many lives. He left us a legacy of life - love unconditionally, be committed to achieve your goals. Laugh often and love with all your heart. Embrace each day as a new opportunity. Those of us whose lives were touched by Joshua are forever changed because we knew him. Joshua Allen Yoder is loved by many and remains forever in our hearts.

Updated: 9/18/2008