William John Yost

William John Yost, 94, of 233 Springmoor Drive, died July 3, 2010. Born October 1, 1915, in East Jim Thorpe, PA, he was the son of the late John and Flora Yost. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, the former Agnes Elizabeth Best, of Warsaw, NC; a brother Edward C. Yost, of Lititz, PA; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Julian Gatling, of Rocky Mount, NC; a brother-in-law, Robert Carroll Best, of Warsaw, NC and a number of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Yost received a B.S. degree from East Stroudsburg State University, PA, in 1937 and moved to North Carolina to teach and coach. He served in the United States Air Corps, World War II, from 1942-1946. The first year of service was at Yale University, after which he was transferred to a Second Air Force in Herington, Kansas as the Chief Armament Officer, and later closed the base in Chico, CA as the base Quartermaster. Following his discharge from the service, he earned a M.A. degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, moved to California as a high school principal, and then to Columbia University, where he was awarded a Doctorate in 1951.

In 1980, Dr. Yost retired as Professor Emeritus from the University of Houston, where he taught for twenty-nine years. While at the University he founded and directed the Petroleum Institute for science and mathematic teachers of the Southwest, and in this role he authored several books. He served as Director of The Religious Groups Council of the University, served on The Graduate School Council, and was head coach of the University of Houston soccer team. As a member and deacon of the South Main Baptist Church of Houston, he and Mrs. Yost wrote the church history To God Alone Be The Glory, 1903-1978.

After retiring to Raleigh, Mr. Yost remained active as deacon at Hayes Barton Baptist Church completing a 46-year period of teaching children. He was also active in Meals On Wheels for 20 years, including two three-year terms on the Wake County Board.

A memorial service conducted by Dr. David Hailey will be held on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Hayes Barton Baptist Church. The family will be at home at 233 Springmoor Drive and in the church parlor following the memorial service. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the Hayes Barton Baptist Church, 1800 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603.

Condolences can be sent to the family through www.brownwynne.com