Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-20

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

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Context

On 2026-05-20, Representative Michael Guest (R-MS-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING AND RECOGNIZING W. HARVEY AND KAREN YODER ON THEIR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY" in the House.

Full Text

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

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026) [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. [[Page E473]] ____________________

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HONORING AND RECOGNIZING W. HARVEY AND KAREN YODER ON THEIR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026) [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. [[Page E473]] ____________________