Paul Lee Yost was born April 28, 1929, to Gerhard and Ida (Ratzlaff) Yost at Montezuma. He passed away on May 8, 2017, reaching the age of 88 years.

Dad spent his boyhood years in the rural Montezuma area. He received his education at the North Lone Star School northwest of Montezuma. After answering the Lord's call, Dad was baptized by Minister Frank Wenger on October 24, 1943. In his later years, he found a greater trust in God and contentment.

Our dad found his companion in a neighbor girl, Verbena Le Unruh, daughter of Minister and Mrs. Albert Unruh. They were married August 7, 1949, and began their life together on Dad's home place. There were cows to milk, chickens and pigs to feed, with few conveniences. During these years, five sons were born to them. When irrigation came to the area, farming took on a new dimension. After growing up in dry Western Kansas, Dad appreciated the chance to get water to his crops. Winters were spent raising stocker cattle, something he really enjoyed.

Dad's sunny disposition won him many friends. He hosted the MCC Meat Canner several times. Dad took an interest in singing and would often spend evenings in song with family or friends. He gladly served the church in various ways.

After we children married, Dad and Mom built a home in town, where they enjoyed their retirement years. At times Dad suffered from severe nerve pain in his throat. When his health failed, our parents moved to Bethel Home where they received excellent care.

Dad enjoyed his grandchildren and took an interest in each of their lives.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Verbena, five sons, Clayton and Sherry, Roy and Connie, Verlyn and Nola and Roger and Marilee, all of Montezuma, Glen and Lorna of West Union, Iowa, sixteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, his step-mother, Leona Schmidt Yost, two brothers, Curtis and Archie, and four sisters, Marie, Francis, Stella and Esther.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Thursday May 11, 2017 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Wednesday May 10, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home or Arrowhead West in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.