Wayne B Yost

Wayne Burdett Yost was born in the Wray Hospital, March 25, 1927 to Lawrence Albert and Jessie Olive (Veal) Yost. He passed away February 16, 2014 at Hillcrest Care Center.

He attended Idalia Schools. He worked for Gale Rogers Wheat Farm at Armel, Colorado for two years prior to joining the Army. He served with Headquarters Company 1st  Battalion 311th Infantry Regiment, 78thDivision for five months in the European Theater Operations. He served in the Army from June 27, 1945 to November 29th, 1946. He was serving in Germany when he was hospitalized and was returned to the United States on a hospital ship.

On June 19, 1949, Wayne was united in marriage to June R. Newbanks at the Presbyterian Church in Wray, Colorado. To this union, one son, Allen Wayne Yost was born. Wayne worked for the Yuma County Roads and Bridge Department for 20 years. When he worked for the county he worked for the bridge crew operating heavy equipment. Wayne worked for the City of Wray for 15 years, during the time he worked for the city, he was the foreman of the street department. He retired from the City of Wray, but before he retired, he worked  with Sonny and Merle Ritchey putting in underground sprinklers. Later forming Ritchey, Ritchey & Yost, north of Wray, in which he later retired.

Wayne became a member of the First Christian Church on May 12, 1968. He was a member of the Automaniac’s Car Club. He loved riding his 49 Harley Davidson and once rode on the Gypsy Tour to Sturgis. He was a member for over 65 years of the VFW Club. He served on the Honor Guard during some of that time. He was also a former member of the Elks Club. Wayne was an officer for a few years during that time.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his parent-in-laws, Izero and Spencer Newbanks, brother, Dean and wife, Mary, sister-in-law, Nell Newbanks Wilson, brother-in-laws, Lloyd, Roy and Louis Newbanks.

He is survived by his wife, June of 64 years; son, Allen; brother, Steve and wife, Joyce; brother-in-law, John & wife, Connie Newbanks; sister-in-laws, Madeline and husband, Joe Conrad; and Merna & husband, Larry Skipworth. He also leaves to mourn many nieces and nephews and other relatives. Wayne will be greatly missed by those who loved him.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 22, 2014, 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Wray, Colorado with Rev. Steve Wynkoop officiating. Interment was held in the Grandview Cemetery in Wray, Colorado. Memorials may be made to the Republican Valley VFW Post #4671. Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.