Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) William Weber Yoder of Plano, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born on December 17, 1938, in Ravenna, Ohio, to loving parents John Bartholomew Yoder and Dorothy Rose (Weber) Yoder.
William, known to most as Bill, grew up in Ravenna, Ohio, where he graduated from high school. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and later obtained his master’s degree from the University of Utah.
He married the love of his life, Janice Marie Evans, in 1969 at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas. Together they shared a wonderful life filled with adventure, laughter, and devotion. Both dedicated to family, raising two children, Webb and Jennifer. Also helping to care for their grandchildren Kaitlyn and Kimber until they started Montessori school. Always finding time through the years for a trip to the lake, whether it was teaching the neighborhood kids to water ski or hosting family and friends at Cedar Creek Lake. Bill especially, always wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time.
Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, entering active duty on April 26, 1961. Over the course of his distinguished 24-year military career, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring on July 31, 1985. His service was recognized with numerous commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with four devices, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat Readiness Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; as well as many other medals and achievements.
Following his military retirement, Bill embarked on a successful second career as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, where he continued to help others achieve their goals until his retirement in 2005.
He is survived by his son, Webb Yoder of Plano, Texas & wife, Sherah; his daughter, Jennifer Yoder of Allen, Texas; his granddaughters, Kimber Yoder and Kaitlyn Yoder; his brother, Tom Yoder of Wichita Falls, Texas; several nieces and nephews; and a host of numerous other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janice Marie Yoder; his brother, Jack Yoder; and his twin brother, Robert Yoder.
Bill will be remembered for his steadfast integrity, his deep love for family and friends, his country, and his joyful spirit.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 22, 2025, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on William’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/lieutenant-colonel-ret-william-weber-yoder. Interment will follow the same day at 1:00 p.m. at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Big Country Veterans, a local non-profit helping veterans. Donate Here: Big Country Veterans | Kindful and note: In Memory of Bill. Thank you!