MONTEZUMA - Walter Leland Yost was born April 22, 1924 at Montezuma, Kansas to Herman and Lizzie Yost. He departed this life March 21, 2013 at Bethel Home in Montezuma, Kansas. He was 88 years old.

Dad was raised in the Montezuma area and went to school at North Lone Star, Homestead, and Sunnyside schools in Rural Gray County. Dad grew up a farm boy and later made his livelihood by farming, first working together with his father, and then purchasing and working his own farm. He was a lover of the soil and of farming his entire life. He also worked in the construction of grain elevators in his younger years.

In his early teen years, Dad felt the call of God and received Jesus as his Savior. He was baptized December 22, 1938 by Minister Frank Haynes, and became a member of the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. On June 27, 1947, he was married to Sylvia Schmidt at Montezuma, Kansas. Dad and Mother shared a blessed life together for 48 years. To this union were born three children, one son, and two daughters. He honored both his baptism and marriage vows with steadfast faithfulness. Mother and Dad began their life together on a farm near Montezuma. In the spring of 1957 they felt to move their young family to Scott County, Kansas, where they were engaged in farming.

Dad's Christian life meant much to him. The hour of family devotions was a special time. Dad was a lover of song, and we as a family often sang while traveling together. We took many walks with Dad and spent evenings playing games with him. We are thankful for the spiritual heritage he left us. He often shared his burden for our spiritual welfare. As we look back at Dad's years, we see a good example of a life well lived, and we hope to meet him and Mother again

We remember Dad as friendly and outgoing, ready to receive company and giving unselfishly of his time to neighbors. He served on the Bethel Home Board of Directors, and on the church maintenance and food committees.

Our mother passed away on April 14, 1995. This left Dad very lonely. He remained on the farm another nine years. Because of declining health and also desiring companionship, Dad moved to Bethel Home at Montezuma, Kansas in September of 2004. Dad enjoyed his years here, visiting with old friends and making new ones. He deeply appreciated the spiritual fellowship and the varied activities. He often expressed his gratitude for the love and care he received.

Those who share fond memories are his son Phil and wife Pam of Scott City, Kansas, daughter Charlotte and husband Bob Mininger of Campbellsburg, Indiana; six grandchildren: Devin and Sheralyn Minninger, Pamela and Arlan Litwiller, Jodi and Whitney Unruh, Tonya and Karlin Unruh, Paula and Dwight Unruh and Cody amd Aubrey Yost; son-in-law, Paul Hughes and wife Gail, two step granddaughters, Alisha Ensz and Miranda Boehs and 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his daughter, Sharon, and two sisters.

Funeral service will be held at Scott City Mennonite Church, Scott City on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 2:00 PM with Ministers Richard Koehn, Charles Nightengale, and Franklin Koehn presiding. Burial will follow at Scott City Mennonite Church Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel of Montezuma on Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 9:00 AM to Noon and at Bethel Home in Montezuma from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.