Earl M. Yoder, 55, of Sugarcreek, died May 24, 2011, at his home, following a three-year illness.

Earl was born August 9, 1955, in Dover, to Robert W. and the late Mattie Yoder. He was a member of the Old Order Amish Church and became an ordained deacon in 1978.

Surviving are his wife, Clara Yoder, whom he married May 18, 1978; sons, Jeffrey Yoder of Winesburg, Steven Yoder and Tim (Marianna) Yoder, both of Sugarcreek, and Robert (Neva) Yoder of Dundee; daughters, Sara (Robert) Miller of Sugarcreek and Cheryl (Joel) Raber of Dundee; eight grandchildren; brothers, Dan (Arvada) Yoder of Sugarcreek, Jake (Martha) Yoder of Trail, and Joe (Sally) Yoder of Berlin; and sisters, Mary Ellen (Bob) Thornburg, Ina (Joe) Mullet, Esther Yoder, and Ruth (Jason) Schlabach, all of Sugarcreek, and Karen (Galen) Zook of Georgetown.

He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, David Yoder.

Services were held May 27, at the Yoder residence, with Bishop Albert Hochstetler officiating. Burial was in Coblentz Cemetery, Sugarcreek Township.

Arrangements were handled by Smith-Varns Funeral Home, Sugarcreek.