Richard Paul Yoder (“Paul”) died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Oct. 29, 2022, in Little Rock, Ark. After battling cancer for several months, he found peace in his own home surrounded by his family and cats.
Paul was preceded in death by parents, Richard “Dick” Yoder and Hazel Manuel Yoder; brother, Pete Yoder; and nephew, Zac Yoder. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Beth Miller; and two daughters, Hannah and Laura; as well as by his younger siblings, Toni, Pat, Phil and Perry. His large family, including an assortment of nieces and nephews, as well as various “bonus children” to whom he opened his home, brought him a tremendous amount of joy throughout his life.
Paul was born on March 20, 1955, in Kinder, La., and went on to study English Literature at LSU, The Ohio State University, and Duke University. After obtaining his PhD, he accepted a job as an English Professor at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock (UALR), which he held until he retired in 2017.
Paul, or “Doc” as he was affectionately called by his students, truly lived his life to the fullest, embracing every opportunity for new experiences with enthusiasm and interest. The joys of his life were his family, teaching, and music, probably in that order. He was well-loved by his students who will not soon forget his insightful teaching, inspiring mentorship, and infectious passion for every subject he taught. He particularly loved teaching the words of Jane Austen, Bob Dylan, and the British Romantic poets.
He was a loving husband and father who found deep joy in raising his children. Beth was the true love of his life. His children will forever remember the stories he told, the jokes he made, and the sense of fun he brought to their lives. He will be deeply missed by all of the many people whose lives he touched.
To sign he online guestbook, click “/Add A Memory” at: www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UALR’s English Annual Fund in Paul’s memorial at the following web address:
https://ualr.edu/giving/product/department -of-english-annual-fund/
Photo taken by former student Beau Rogers.