Michael David "Slats" Yount

Michael David “Slats” Yount was born on January 9th, 1956 to the late Perry Yount and Jewell
Nipper Yount. A man known and loved by many, Michael lived in Washington County his entire life.
He lived and loved unconditionally in the only way he knew how, with kindness and grace. He was
a man strong in his faith and that was evident in the way he lived everyday as a true example of the
Words he cherished. Many people walk this earth, yet Michael stood out for his generosity,
compassion, love, and dedication. He truly was a child of God who walked in faith not by sight.

Following his high school graduation in 1974, he worked odd jobs before going to work for the St.
Joe Mining Company which would later become Doe Run. It was here where he became “Slats.” The
men from Doe Run became a second family to Michael and he would often tell stories of those days.
Michael would retire from Doe Run after 30 years of service.

Perhaps his greatest passion outside of his love of God and his family, was his love of music.
Michael began picking and playing music at an early age with his brother Jim. Throughout his life,
there would be numerous members of his musical family. In the darkest moments of his life, music
always provided a light of comfort.

Michael was united in marriage in January, 1977 to Sheila Smith. From this union, two children,
Justin Wayne Yount and Becky Erin Yount, were born. Michael continued to live in Potosi as an
adult and in 1990 met Debra Berentz. They were married on December 7th, 1991 and spent
twenty-five years and seven months facing life together. One of the greatest challenges they faced
came in November of 2010 when Michael suffered a brain hematoma. His faith never wavered, and
his love of Jesus grew even stronger.

Those who left this world before Michael are his father, Perry Yount; mother, Jewell Nipper Yount;
brother, Gary Wayne Yount; and brother, James Terry Yount.

Those who are left to mourn his passing are his wife, Debra Yount (Potosi, MO); son, Justin Yount
and wife Trina (Farmington, MO); daughter, Becky Durbin and husband Ben (Farmington, MO);
daughter, Tracy Lewis (Potosi, MO); and daughter, Hillary Eye and husband Andrew (Mineral Point,
MO).

Michael had 12 grandchildren whom he adored: Elijah Yount, Claire Yount, Ryan Yount, Brylee
Durbin, Halle Durbin, Erin Durbin, Cora Durbin, Jacob Pierce, Adam Pierce, Will Pierce, Chloe Eye,
and Garrett Eye.

In addition, Michael leaves behind a sister-in-law, Dianna Yount, and a niece, Angel Rawson, and a
nephew, Marty Yount.

There are countless other friends, relatives, and picking buddies who will miss and love Michael
forever. A kinder soul has never walked the earth, so the absence of Michael will leave a hole in the
heart of everyone who knew and loved him.