Robert "Bob" Reymon Yoder

Robert “Bob” Reymon Yoder, age 81, of Rio Rancho went home to our Lord and Savior on Monday, March 25, 2019. His family was able share close and loving time with Bob during his final days. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Mary Jo, daughters Robin Kawamoto (Ken) and Deb Collins (Bill), and granddaughters Alli Collins (Fiancé Kaleb), Nikki Collins, and Emma Kawamoto. Bob was the son of Marie Yoder and was born on May 5, 1937 in West Point, Iowa. He graduated from Donnellson High School in 1955 and later attended Keokuk Community College where he earned an Associates Degree in Business. Even at this early age, Bob was a very social fellow and enjoyed sports and drama productions at the local high school. It was during high school that Bob met Mary Jo Miller and they were married on August 7, 1960 in Donnellson, Iowa. Bob and Mary Jo settled there and began a life together. Raising two daughters, working, and serving his community through many different channels kept Bob very busy. Bob worked many jobs over the years but his main profession was in insurance sales. He and Mary Jo have made loving homes in Cotter (Iowa), Donnellson (Iowa), Indianola (Iowa), Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. His favorite hobbies and pastimes included woodworking, fishing, teasing his granddaughters, and helping neighbors with any chore or task.

Bob's main focus in life was always service. He was a volunteer firefighter for 20 years and filled any role needed at the churches they were members of. Bob served as a volunteer bailiff for the Rio Rancho City Municipal Court and was instrumental in founding, maintaining and promoting many noteworthy chapters of service organizations such as:

Lions International-60 year member; Council Chairman for 1 term; District Governor for 2 terms; selected as a Melvin Jones Fellow; many hours spent collecting eyeglasses and working with the Sight Foundation.

Masonic Lodge- 60 year member; Past Master and 32nd Degree Mason.

Order of the Eastern Star-60 year member; Worthy Patron for 3 terms.

United Methodist Church Nomads-he and Mary Jo participated in more than 15 service missions over 10 years.

For over a decade Bob has worked tirelessly serving his many friends at the Esplanade, the community where where he and Mary Jo live, by holding positions on the Board of Directors, maintaining sprinkler systems, replacing lamp post bulbs, and generally being there to tell a joke or share a cup of coffee. Bob spent all his life committed to the Lord, his family, and his friends. He never turned away an opportunity to help someone in need and his big heart and willing spirit were equally known. Bob was put on the earth to help all of God's children and he committed his lifetime to reaching that goal.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother Marie Yoder and sister JoDell Andrews. Cremation is planned with interment to take place at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Bob at 3:00 PM on Thursday, March 28 at the Mesa View United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting that donations be made to the church.