Merle Harvey Yost, of rural Detroit, Texas passed away peacefully with family by his side at Heritage House, of Paris, July 2, 2012, reaching the age 89 years.

He was born in Hesston, Kansas, to Harvey and Elizabeth Yost, on June 13, 1923.  His childhood years were spent in the Greensburg, Kansas area.  He married Elma Jean Wiggers, on October 6, 1946 in Halstead, Kansas.  He farmed and ranched in Kansas a number of years before moving to South Dakota in 1955.  There they raised their family of 5 boys, dairying and farming for 23 years.  In the fall of 1978 they moved to Detroit, Texas, where he continued farming for a few more years.  He spent a several years hauling posts for the Fowler Post factory.  In his senior years he enjoyed diversity of employment, working at a ranch in Paris for the late Dr. Donald Lewis, selling produce along Front Street in Detroit, and projects in his wood shop.  Grandpa Merle had a talent of winning friends easily and was especially dear as a friend to his grandchildren.

Our Dad loved the Lord and served Him with his whole heart often expressing his unworthiness and gratefulness for what God had done for him. He was a source of inspiration to the family and leaves us with many fond memories.  Especially meaningful to us, were his prayers and how they testified of his connection with God.

Left to cherish fond memories are his wife, Jean; sons, Arlan and wife Marilyn of Brooksville, Mississippi; Darrel and wife Nova of Arthur, Illinois; Ed and wife Esther of Detroit, Texas; Wayne and Valerie of Wrens, Georgia; and Vernon and wife Darlene of Leland, Mississippi; 20 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren; brothers Harlin Yost and Carl Yost; sisters Helen Becker, Arlene Avery, Verna Smith, and Carol Dirks.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 6, 2012 in the Red River Valley Mennonite Church. Burial will follow in the Red River Valley Mennonite Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. Thursday evening at the Red River Valley Mennonite Church located 2 miles east of Detroit on FM 2573.  If desired memorials may be made to the Gospel Tract and Bible Society PO 700 Moundridge, Kansas 67107.