[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E472-E473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING AND RECOGNIZING W. HARVEY AND KAREN YODER ON THEIR 50TH 
                          WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MICHAEL GUEST

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2026

  Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize W. Harvey 
and Karen Yoder on the joyous occasion of their 50th wedding 
anniversary, which they will celebrate on June 12, 2026. Their lives 
together stand as a remarkable testimony of faith, family, service, 
hard work, and commitment to their community.
  Harvey's family moved from Michigan to Mississippi in July of 1972, 
while Karen's family relocated from Oklahoma to Mississippi in May of 
1973. The two first met in the summer of 1973 at Harvey's parents' 
home, when their families gathered together for Sunday lunch. Their 
friendship blossomed into a courtship in 1974, and they were united in 
marriage on June 12, 1976.
  Throughout their marriage, Harvey and Karen have remained deeply 
rooted in their faith and church community. They attended Mashulaville 
Indian Mennonite Chapel in Mashulaville, Mississippi, later renamed 
Noxubee Mennonite Church. In May of 1976, just weeks before their 
wedding, the congregation moved to its current location near Macon, 
Mississippi, where it would later become known as Cornerstone Community 
Church.
  In 1975, Harvey founded Macon Cabinet Co., Inc., a custom cabinet 
business that became well known throughout the community for quality 
craftsmanship and dedicated service. Karen faithfully managed the 
office operations while also caring for their growing family. In 
recognition of his outstanding business leadership and contribution to 
the local economy, Harvey was honored with the Noxubee County Chamber 
of Commerce Business of the Year Award in 2001. Later that year, he 
closed the business and began working at New Horne Hardware, where he 
faithfully served until his retirement.
  In addition to his work in business, Harvey answered a call to 
ministry in 2000 and began preaching at Nanih Waiya Indian Mennonite 
Church in Preston, Mississippi. Harvey and Karen faithfully served 
there in a ministry capacity until 2012. Since 2013, they have attended 
Way of the Cross Chapel.
  Karen devoted many years to homeschooling their children and 
investing in their education and spiritual upbringing. After their 
youngest child graduated in 2008, Karen and their youngest son, Jeremy, 
entered nursing school together. Karen graduated in December 2011 and 
passed her nursing board in 2012, fulfilling her lifelong dream of 
becoming a Registered Nurse.
  Together, Harvey and Karen have built a loving legacy through their 
family. They are the proud parents of four children: Matthew, Ruth, 
Justin, and Jeremy. They have been blessed with eighteen grandchildren 
and four great-grandchildren, whose lives continue to reflect the 
faith, love, and values instilled by Harvey and Karen throughout the 
years.
  As Harvey and Karen celebrate fifty years of marriage, we recognize 
not only the enduring strength of their union, but also their example 
of service to God, devotion to family, and commitment to their 
community.
  Their story is one that brings pride to our state and reminds us all 
of the lasting impact that faithful families have on our communities.
  May they be blessed with many more years of joy, health, and 
cherished memories together, and may their example continue to inspire 
the people of Mississippi for generations to come.

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