Cleve E. "Bud" Yoder, Jr

Cleve E. “Bud” Yoder was born on September 16, 1935, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the age of 90.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Patricia Hughes Yoder; his daughter, Jennifer Yoder; his son, Scott Yoder; his daughter-in-law, Michelle Atkins Yoder; and his cherished triplet grandchildren, Elizabeth Lubeck (spouse Nicholas), Jared Yoder (spouse José), and Hannah Yoder. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lancaster Fire Captain Cleve E. Yoder Sr. and Romaine Irwin Yoder.

Cleve grew up on Ocean Avenue in Lancaster, where his strong work ethic began at a young age. As a boy, he showed remarkable initiative and entrepreneurial spirit—selling American Seed Company packets door to door, purchasing warm soft pretzels to sell outside the Umbrella Factory, shoveling snow-covered sidewalks, and later managing a large morning paper route. Riding his bicycle with saddlebags, often accompanied by his loyal dog Teddy, Saturdays were collection days as he retraced his route waiting for customers to bring out their change. These early experiences instilled in him a lifelong sense of responsibility, independence, and pride in hard work.

As a teenager, Cleve worked summers at the Brookside Swimming Pool near Long’s Park and later as a cashier at Food Fair Grocery Store while attending McCaskey High School. He graduated in 1953 and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served four years at sea aboard the USS Buckley (destroyer) , USS Forrestal (aircraft carrier) and the USS Canberra (destroyer).

Following his military service, Cleve built a successful career in technology, advancing through several companies. He completed extensive technical training with Burroughs Corporation and Control Data Company, mastering their computer systems, and later earned a degree in Business Administration from Widener University. His career took him and his family to various parts of the country, including Michigan, Montana, the Dakotas, New Jersey and New York, before ultimately returning to Pennsylvania.

Throughout his professional life, Cleve worked on Northern Air Defense systems, on air bases, and in the computer department at Cornell University, as well as in industrial business environments where he served as a Technical Services Supervisor and Manager. He retired in 1998 from Honeywell Inc. as a District Salesman in the Industrial Control Computers Division. A member of Honeywell’s Executive Club, this role was the one he enjoyed most.

Cleve was an avid reader, with a particular passion for World War II history and popular detective novels. He also lived an active life, participating in many sports over the years, including skiing, tennis, golf, softball, and later water volleyball. He enjoyed hunting with archery, black powder, and rifle, as well as fishing, canoeing, and bicycling.

Cleve and Patty made their home in West Chester for 43 years, and for the past 15 years resided at Tel Hai Retirement Community. They were longtime members of Grove United Methodist Church. Cleve was also a member of the West Chester Exchange Club and the Canberra Navy Reunion Association.

Together, Patty and Cleve traveled extensively, sharing a love of exploration and adventure. They enjoyed 26 intercontinental and island cruises, numerous land tours, and many automobile trips. They spent 16 winters as snowbirds in Florida and traveled often with their children—Jennifer and Scott ( wife Michelle)—and their beloved grandchildren Hannah, Elizabeth, and Jared. Many trips were also shared with dear friends in-laws Harold and Fran Atkins, whose companionship meant so much to them.

Cleve believed he lived a truly blessed life and was deeply grateful for the experiences, relationships, and love he shared with family and friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire Tel Hai Nursing Staff for their exceptional care and compassion. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Tel Hai Retirement Community Chapel, 1200 Tel Hai Circle,  Honey Brook, PA 19344.