Phil Yoder, age 87, died Thursday, April 12, 2012 at Morton County Care Center in Elkhart, Kansas. He was born December 11, 1924 in Jett, Oklahoma the son of Daniel and Eva (Zimmerman) Yoder.

Phil grew up in Crystal Springs, Kansas. He was raised in the Mennonite Church and graduated from Harper High School. Phil worked for the Santa Fe Railroad until he turned 18 years old and was drafted into the United States Army. He served from 1943 – 1946 in the European Theatre as an infantry soldier during World War II. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Harper and married Betty Minor on March 26, 1948 in Elkhart, Kansas. In 1949 they moved to Elkhart and began farming. Phil was a member of the Kansas and American Polled Hereford Associations, former USD 218 school board member, a supporter and leader of 4-H for many years, a lifetime member of VFW Post # 3162 of Elkhart, a member of the American Legion, and a member of the United Methodist Church of Elkhart.

He is survived by his wife, Betty of the home; son, Terry Yoder and wife Jennifer of Liberal, Kansas; daughter, Lori Hanna and husband Scott of Richfield, Kansas; two brothers, Ronald Yoder and wife Lola of Wichita, Kansas, Robert Yoder and wife Donna of Goddard, Kansas; three sisters, Alma York of Enid, Oklahoma, Doris Selley of BellaVista, Arkansas, Joan Freeman and husband Albert of Liberal, Kansas; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and three sisters, Odena Miller, Evelyn Holmes, and Donita Parson.

Funeral service will be held Monday, April 16, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church of Elkhart, Kansas with Pastor Bruce Ferguson officiating. Burial will follow at the Elkhart Cemetery in Elkhart, Kansas with Military Rites conducted by the VFW Post #3162. Friends may call Sunday, April 15, 2012 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart, Kansas with family present from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Memorials may be given to the Morton County Fair Association or the United Methodist Church in care of Garnand Funeral Home, P.O. Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950.