Chuck Yost

E. Charles “Chuck” Yost Jr. was a loving husband and father and a child of God. His family meant the world to him and his church was the focus of his many gifts. His dry sense of humor accompanied his ever-present smile. His positive outlook on life was sustained by his strong faith. Chuck was animated, whether talking with his hands or talking about Jesus. He was at the same time humorous and trustworthy, spirited and humble, kind hearted and firm. His generosity of heart impacted many and his enthusiasm for the gospel changed many lives that are happier today because Chuck introduced them to Jesus.

Ernest Charles Yost, Jr. was born in Brockton, Massachusetts during a period of global optimism, when war gave way to peace and civil rights became a dramatic force in U.S. history. Growing families launched the baby boom era and parents worked hard to make a better life for their children. Ernest Charles Yost, Sr. and Eleanor Frances Freeman welcomed their second child into their lives on November 4, 1950. The family lived in Ayer, where Charles’ father worked as an airplane mechanic at Logan international Airport.

E. Charles “Chuck” had a good relationship with his sisters, Sandra and younger sister, Laurel. His parents modeled a home life that became characteristic of Chuck’s personality. Family togetherness was all important but never exclusive. Everyone was always welcome to share in the family’s joy.

Chuck graduated from Ayer High School in 1968 and attended community college in Massachusetts and then Grand Valley State Colleges for three years in language studies. He majored in German but also studied Spanish and later taught himself Hebrew. With his fascination for language and passion for reading, Chuck remained a lifelong student.

Above all, Chuck’s love for God and faith in Jesus Christ directed his life. He received the Holy Ghost when he was baptized in Jesus’ Name in April of 1978 and used his numerous gifts at Grand Valley Gospel Temple (also known as Grand Valley Voice of Pentecost). He served the church as assistant pastor, Bible study leader, keyboard player, missions promoter, church newsletter “Tongues of Fire – News and Views” editor and banner maker. Offering ministry through music with Sister Mary Dailey and Sister Terry Ybarra and others, Chuck was certain that his ability to play by ear was done with the help of the Lord, because he himself was quite deaf.

Chuck deeply loved all the members of Grad Valley Gospel Temple and was eager for others to be a part of the church. He was intent on bringing souls to God and baptized many in Jesus’ Name. As a constant prayer warrior, he prayed every morning at 4 AM and practiced the discipline of fasting every Friday.

It was while he was attending Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship at GVSU that Chuck met Carla Van Oss and invited her church. Three months later, she was baptized and received the Holy Ghost. The couple dated for a year—going out to eat, taking long walks, holding hands and sharing Jesus and the Word. Chuck proposed to Carla when her car broke down in Allendale, but the happy consequence was that their lives were joined in marriage that lasted 35 years.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Ludington along Lake Michigan and set up housekeeping in (of all things) a bus. They parked it on the property of Bishop Ancel Mitchell, prepared vegetarian meals on a campfire and used dry ice for refrigeration. They moved about to a few other locations before buying a home at 10515—8th Avenue in Tallmadge Township where they live today.

While attending GVSU, Carla worked at Ottawa County Mental health and worked in a Zeeland nursing home, and Chuck put in over 30 years with S. Abraham and Sons. The couple began their family with the birth of Noah Adam in July of 1981 and later were blessed with twins, Amber and Ashley. Very sadly, Ashley died at six months of age, but later Chuck and Carla opened their hearts to their adopted daughter, Raelynn Denise Stewart. Daughter-in-law, Jamie also came to be a blessing in their lives.

The Yost home was always open to anyone who needed help, and often times people stayed with them for extended periods. They always found a warm welcome and a genuine invitation to join in the happy yet modest lifestyle of the Yost family. The home was filled with love and vibrancy that came from Chuck and Carla’s faith. They enjoyed gospel music and Chuck made many CDs on the computer that he gave to people at church. They enjoyed good meals, including Chinese or Mexican and Chuck’s choice of bagels for breakfast or a snack before bedtime. Once Chuck and Carla took someone in, they became an instant part of their beloved family. Every Tuesday evening, he could be found at a men’s Bible study at Tim Hortons on Fulton Street NW in Grand Rapids, Michigan. By his own testimony, the Bible was Chuck’s favorite book and best friend. He gave many Bibles away as gifts but retained books on prayer, manuals of prayer clinics and books on Hebrew for his own study.

As a family, the Yosts traveled to Florida to visit his parents and sisters and their extended family. They also took trips to Bessemer, Alabama, Monticello, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio as a member of Great Emmanuel Temple of Holiness Churches Organization. It was while returning from a mission trip in Kentucky that Chuck and members of his church were in a tragic automobile accident.

Ernest Charles “Chuck” Yost, Jr., aged 64, went to be home with Jesus on Sunday, April 12, 2015 as a result of accidental injuries. His beloved family and friends mourn him and take confidence that he is with his Lord.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Eleanor Yost; and daughter, Ashley Lyn. Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Carla; son, Noah (Jamie) Yost; daughter, Amber Yost; and sisters, Sandra (David) Ruest and Laurel Williams. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Ruth Van Oss; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Wayne (Marilyn) Van Oss, Linda (David) Shoemaker, Diane (Larry) Kooiker, Brian (Cori) Van Oss, Beth Van Oss (Jack Staudacher), Nancy (Brian) Kamstra, and Jack Van Oss; as well as many nieces and nephews. He will also be deeply missed by his church family, Grand Valley Gospel Temple. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Grand Valley Gospel Temple “Voice of Pentecost”, O-3190 Riverhill Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI. The family will receive visitors from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Friday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions in his memory may be made to Grand Valley Gospel Temple. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.