Joyce and Waldo Yeager's Obituary
Joyce A. (Wilcox) Yeager September 5, 1941 – August 11, 2025
Joyce A. (Wilcox) Yeager, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and servant of the Lord, entered her heavenly home on August 11, 2025. She was born on September 5, 1941, in Toledo, Ohio, to Howard and Geraldine (Butler) Wilcox.
A gifted pianist from a young age, Joyce shared her talents in the music program at Libbey High School, where she graduated in 1959, serving as accompanist for the school choir. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Music from Bob Jones University in 1963. Shortly after graduation, Joyce married the love of her life, Waldo “Wally” Yeager, on June 29, 1963.
Together Wally and Joyce traveled extensively, supporting and visiting ministries all over the world. Summers were spent at Maranatha Bible Conference in Muskegon, Michigan, a cherished place where Joyce formed lifelong friendships and enjoyed rich times of fellowship.
Joyce’s life was marked by a deep faith and a calling to minister to others. She led numerous neighborhood women’s Bible studies and served in leadership roles for women’s ministries at Christian Fellowship Church and Christian Women’s Club. In 1977, following God’s leading, she began a Bible Study Fellowship class in Toledo, where she served for many years as the teaching leader. Under her leadership, the class grew to hundreds of women eager to study God’s Word.
After Wally’s retirement, the couple relocated to Ft. Myers, Florida in 1998, where Joyce once again started a Bible Study Fellowship class, ministering to women across Southwest Florida.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Geraldine Wilcox, and her brothers, Dale and Tom Wilcox. She will be deeply missed by her devoted husband of 62 years, Wally; her children, Ruth (Tim) Sanborn, Beth (Kevin) Lawson, Bill (Brook) Yeager, and Jonathan (Angela) Yeager; her grandsons, Trevor, Evan, Ben, Michael, Nathan, Nicholas, Seth, Will, and granddaughter Elise. She will be missed by countless friends whose lives were touched by her ministry, music, and love for the Lord.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Larsen Medical Center and to Missy and Steve at Hope Hospice who have provided such great care for Joyce.
Waldo “Wally” E. Yeager August 26, 1936 – August 11, 2025
Waldo “Wally” E. Yeager entered the presence of his Savior on August 11, 2025, joining his beloved wife Joyce, with whom he shared over 62 years of marriage and faithful ministry.
Born on August 26, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, to Waldo and Olive (Fuller) Yeager, Wally moved to Toledo, Ohio, as a small boy. A gifted student, he earned a scholarship to attend Ben Lippen boarding school and later graduated high school from Bob Jones Academy in 1954. He continued his education at Bob Jones University, earning a degree in accounting in 1958.
Wally served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves and was called to active duty during the Berlin Missile Crisis. Following his service, he returned to Toledo to join Cortland Produce, the family business founded by his father. He later continued his career with Seaway Foodtown, retiring as Chief Financial Officer.
From an early age, Wally’s parents instilled in him a deep passion for missions and service to the Lord. His travels took him around the globe, where he met and encouraged countless men and women serving in ministry. He gave generously of his time, resources and giftedness, including service as president of the Christian Business Men’s Committee (CBMC) and on its advisory council. He also carried forward the work of Christian Service International, the mission organization his father founded to support ministries worldwide.
In 1963, Wally married Joyce (Wilcox), and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. Their shared commitment to the Gospel touched lives far beyond their own community.
Wally and Joyce entered heaven together, separated only for a few hours with Wally first making sure that Joyce was safely home before he finally let go. Even the timing and circumstances of their passing clearly showed their love for one another, but most importantly, God’s great love and care for them.
Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Waldo and Olive Yeager, and his brother, Gus (Nelson) Yeager. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Ruth (Tim) Sanborn, Beth (Kevin) Lawson, Bill (Brook) Yeager, and Jonathan (Angela) Yeager; his grandchildren, Trevor, Evan, Ben, Michael, Nathan, Nicholas, Seth, and Will; and his only granddaughter, Elise.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Missy and Steve from Hope Hospice and the caregivers at Larsen Medical Center at Shell Point for their compassionate care of Wally in his final days.
A private memorial service for both Joyce and Wally will be held for the family.
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