[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 148 (Wednesday, November 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         TRIBUTE TO STEVE YODER

                                 ______


                             HON. TOM LEWIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Mr. LEWIS of Florida. Mr Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to 
both honor and to mourn the passing of a good friend, Mr. Steve Yoder 
of Blountstown, FL. To pay tribute to Steve using mere words does not 
give justice to this great man.
  My heart goes out to the Yoder family. To his wife, Carolyn, and his 
children, Loretta, Margaret, Ralph, Steve, Jr., and David--thank you 
for sharing your husband and father with us. To his parents, Mr. and 
Mrs. Monroe Yoder, and his brothers and sisters, Dan, Ben, Carol, 
Sharon, Mary Lou, Lois and Ester--your son and brother was one of the 
finest individuals I have ever known.
  Steve's accomplishments and accolades in life were numerous. While 
those achievements are impressive, they did not define Steve. Steve was 
defined by who he was. He was a man who loved God, his family and his 
community. He was committed to agriculture--as his livelihood, and as 
the strength of this great country.
  There was some concern that Steve--through his service and travels 
throughout the world--would change.
  In a country that is crying out for change, and a society that 
changes daily--Steve remained steadfast in his dedication to his 
principles, and loyal to those he represented. He never forgot why he 
was sent to Washington. He formed a bridge from his community to ours 
and worked to draw out the strengths of each in seeking solutions to 
our differences.
  In addition, he brought to Washington his warm nature and gentle 
friendship. In a city which has been described as a ``hardship post for 
friendship,'' Steve was a wonderful friend. He forever changed our 
hearts and lives. The truth is that Steve did not change. He changed 
us.
  Psalm 112, the Blessings of the Just Man, was used to eulogize Steve; 
I would like to share these words with my colleagues:

       Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in 
     his commands. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; 
     the upright generations shall be blessed. Wealth and riches 
     shall be in his house; his generosity shall endure forever. 
     He dawns through the darkness, a light for the upright; he is 
     gracious and merciful and just.
       Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts 
     his affairs with justice; He shall never be moved; the just 
     man shall be in everlasting remembrance. An even report he 
     shall not fear; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
       His heart is steadfast, he shall not fear till he looks 
     down upon his foes. Lavishly he gives to the poor; his 
     generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in 
     glory. The wicked man shall see it and be vexed; he shall 
     gnash his teeth and pine away; the desire of the wicked shall 
     perish.

  Steve's pilgrimage through life was full of purpose. Through his 
quiet ways, God gave him the creative power to stir and shape the lives 
of others--in his family, in his community, and in his country.
  In listening to friends as they grieved for Steve, I heard it said, 
``Steve made you believe in the world again.''
  Steve, you truly did. You will be missed * * * but you shall always 
be remembered.

                          ____________________