Thomas R. Yoder

Thomas R. Yoder of Clarkston passed away on May 4, 2025.

Tom was a loving husband, great father, and a man of curiosity – a natural troubleshooter.

He was born on December 16, 1941 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Bessie and Raymond Mull, adopted and raised by Viola and Harry Yoder.

As a boy, Tommy's chief pursuit was mischief, at which he excelled. He followed the local coal cart around town, picking up fallen pieces to heat his family's home. He poured sneezing powder into the summer fan cooling his aunt's restaurant on Penn Square, after which he fell asleep in a cherry tree, rolling over to fall and crack three ribs. He skipped school to take the train to NYC where he would watch movies in Times Square, particularly the travelogue short films, making a list of places to visit in the future.

While in middle school, Tommy got a job at the Lancaster Municipal Airport, where he fueled aircraft and cleaned the hangars. He also went for many free airplane rides, which were essentially flying lessons, sparking his lifetime love of aviation.

After graduating high school, Tom learned the electrical trade in the U.S. Air Force as an Atlas Missileman in Spokane, Washington. He moved to Detroit upon discharge, where he worked as an expert troubleshooter in the sound communication business for 42 years. He became a licensed pilot, holding private, multi-engine, instrument and commercial ratings.

The most important part in Tom's life happened in 1966 when he met the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Ethel Johnson, when he flew her brother to the Upper Peninsula for a wedding. The attention to detail that Tom practiced in his professional life frequently showed in his relationship with Ethel, including figuring out the exact date when he would have spent half of his life with her, and planning a wonderful gift around it. They were inseparable, and in retirement traveled America by RV and the world by ship, visiting many of the places he noted from watching those travel films as a kid.

Tom is survived by Ethel, his son Jason (Lisa), and his grandchildren, Kirby and Cass.

There will not be a formal memorial service, however there will be a future celebration of life (actually, he said, "I want you to throw a party"). The family will communicate details regarding the event.

R.I.P.

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