Walter Harris Yost, 91, died at home on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. Walt was the second child of Walter Henry and Almeda (Harris) Yost, born on Jan. 3, 1930 in Vancouver Washington, where he was raised in the Lake Shore area. He graduated from Fort Vancouver High School and attended two years at Washington State College studying animal husbandry before running out of money for school. He stated it was probably the best twist of fate since it saved him from becoming a farmer. He started work on Jan 3, 1951 at Battle Ground State Bank, which would later become First Independent Bank, where he worked for 45 years. Not only would banking become his career, he also met Dorothy Ann Zimmerly, a bank teller and they would be married on March 20, 1953.
Walt was a resident of Battle Ground, Washington, where he and Dorothy raised their three children. Walt enjoyed woodworking in his basement shop, gardening, flying, waterskiing and hiking. Later in life, he and Dorothy traveled the world. He helped coach little league, was on the school board and was active in church. He taught seventh and eighth grade Sunday school class, served in leadership and helped plan and build the “new” church building. He also led a Bible study in his home for years.
His love of Jesus and walk with the Lord began in high school when he and his lifelong friend Vinton Erickson attended a revival meeting.
Walt is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Almeda, sister Joyce Smith, grandson Kevin Jones and great-grandson Jacob Jones. He is survived by his wife of 68 years Dorothy Yost; sister Linda Lewis; children Louan (Kirby) Jones, John (Sue) Yost and Marie (David) Voelker; grandchildren Craig Jones, Keith Jones, Chris Jones, Adrian Wolden and Andy Voelker; and many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Battle Ground Baptist Church. A lunch reception will follow.
