Gary Yount

The world became still and quiet on Thursday, March 8, 2012, when Gary Wayne Yount departed this life at the St. Louis University Hospital just before three o'clock in the afternoon. Gary was born in Bonne Terre, Missouri on November 28, 1946 and was the oldest son of Perry and Jewel (Nipper) Yount. Gary was raised in Potosi, Missouri and graduated from Potosi High School in 1964. Gary was preceded in death by his father Perry Yount; his mother, Jewel Nipper Yount Akers; his brother Jim Yount and his stepfather Henry Akers.

During Gary's life, he was active in a variety of things and traveled throughout the world but the one constant factor for Gary was always family. In 1965, he joined the Army and was stationed in France until 1966. After only a year in the Army, he was called home to help raise his two younger brothers following the death of his father. At this time, Gary went to work for the St. Joe Lead Co. which would later become the Doe Run Mine Co. He worked there until he retired in January 2001. Gary was also passionate about his community and wanted to be a leader who could be counted upon to provide a better community for future generations. Throughout the 1990's Gary was a deputy and then served as the Sheriff of Washington County from 2001-2004.

Gary was always very active within many local organizations. He was involved in the Washington County Coon Club, Saddle Club, GOP, Antioch Community Center, and the Belgrade Chapter of the Masonic Lodge. Each membership represented something that Gary loved and held dear to his heart. Gary's faith was also equally important. He was saved as a teenager at the Adam Bethel Church.

In June of 1974, Gary married Dianna Johnson. From this union of nearly 40 years came two children, five grandchildren and a lifetime of love and devotion. Above all else, Gary loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He looked forward to sharing with each new grandchild his love of fishing, hunting and riding horses.

Babydoll, as Gary was known to family, friends and coworkers, never met a stranger. He was known for his ability to befriend any person who happened to cross his path. Not only would Babydoll befriend that person, but chances were very good that he'd also have some kind of story to tell. That's just who Gary was. With the loss of Gary, the world says a goodbye to a kind soul and unforgettable spirit, but Heaven has gained a beautiful storyteller for all eternity.

Those left behind to mourn Gary's passing are his wife Dianna (Johnson) Yount of Potosi; his daughter Angel (Yount) Rawson and husband Josh of Farmington; his son, Marty Yount and wife Melissa of Caledonia; his father and mother in law Vernon and Bonita Johnson of Potosi; his youngest brother Michael Yount and wife Debbie of Potosi; his five grandchildren Colton Rawson, Brayden Rawson, Kallie Rawson, Casey Yount, Brenna Yount; his step-sisters Shirley (Akers) Parks and husband Harold of Arkansas; Betty (Akers) Morris and husband Ed of Belgrade; countless number of family, friends and loved ones who were blessed to have known and loved Gary throughout his lifetime.

Services to celebrate the life of Gary W. Yount (Babydoll) will be held Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 1 PM at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Jarvis officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Larry Baldridge, Justin Yount, Sid Rasnic, Bruce Nipper, Brad Yount and Colton Rawson.

Interment and final prayers were held at the Antioch Cemetery where full military honors were presented by the United States Army, Local VFW Post 6996 and Patriot Guard. All arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the DeClue Family Funeral Home.