Elwin “Bud” Yadon
January 24, 1932 - July 19, 2020
On Sunday morning, July 19, 2020, Bud closed his physical eyes for the last time to make it to Heaven’s church service. He was surrounded by his loving family as he left his ailing physical body to join Jesus in his forever home. He loved Jesus, life, his family, and friends.
Elwin Wayne Yadon was born January 24, 1932 in Twin Falls, Idaho to his parents Charles Haskell and Ruth Angela Yadon, both of which have preceded him in death. He was one of six children of C.H. and Ruth. He was preceded in death by his older sister, Jewell Evangeline Dillon and younger brother, Haskell Dale Yadon. He is survived by his sisters, Ruby Rutzen and Sharon Roam, and a brother, Sam Yadon. Elwin is survived by his loving wife Frances and five children: Brenda Bauldry (David) of California, Patti Fae Snyder (Jack) of Idaho, Daniel Bill Yadon (Wanda) of Florida, Randall Wayne Yadon (Rhonda) of Idaho, and Tonia Denise Pagel (Ted) of Mississippi. He was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren who have, so far, blessed him with 10 great grandchildren.
Elwin was effectionaly known throughout his life as “Bud”, a nickname that stuck from his earliest childhood of being called “Buddy” by his older sister Jewel. He graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1950 and then Tupelo Bible College in 1953, where he became an ordained minister in the United Pentecostal Church International. He married the love of his life, Frances Charles, in 1963. Bud always felt like he was the luckiest man in the world when it came to his affection for her. Even in these last years, he would remind her that she still put the “quiver in his liver.”
Bud was the epitome of a family man. Bud loved people and being a shepherd for Christ in the church family that included socializing with people who quickly became his friends. He also loved being a father and papa. He poured himself into the lives of his grandchildren and went to their games, graduations, weddings and dedicated and baptized many of them. He continued to speak love into their lives daily. All of the spouses of his children were welcomed into the family and loved as his own.
At his core, Bud was a man of God. He saw himself as a “planter” of God’s Word in the heart of people. He pastored churches in Pocatello and McCall, Idaho before moving to Washington. Then he pastored the church in McCleary Washington and founded the church in Longview, Washington, which still exists today. He returned to Idaho in 1980 and planted a church in Lewiston and then in 1985, he started and pastored New Life Fellowship in Boise. After he retired in 1995, he joined his lifelong friend, Wayne Nigh at LCI Ministries. They ministered around the world including: Yugoslavia, Germany, France, China, and his favorite place to go, Thailand. Even in his last years, he would hold Bible studies at his senior living center. His last Bible study was on Father's Day just 5 weeks ago.
Bud was always full of wit and humor found in everyday life, but was serious about one’s devotion and commitment to God. He loved the greater Yadon Tribe and was always excited to hang out with friends and family at every chance. During his free time he enjoyed working with wood, fishing (the catching part wasn’t as important), reading, and writing Biblical commentaries. He always loved a good theological debate. He was honored when younger ministers would seek his counsel and loved to be of service wherever it was needed.
The family wants to thank all the staff at Foxtail Senior Living Center for their commitment and love they displayed everyday for Bud and Frances. We would also like to thank extended family and friends for their love, prayers, and unending support.
The viewing will be at 10 am and the Celebration of Life service immediately following at 11:00am Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Valley Church at 2900 Life Way in Caldwell, Idaho. The graveside ceremony will be Monday, July 27, 2020 at 10 am at Dry Creek Cemetery in Boise. If friends and family choose to make donations in lieu of flowers, please give to your local church body.