John Franklin Yost

John Yost passed away peacefully on February 19, 2024 after a long illness. His family remains deeply grateful to his devoted team of care providers from CoreCare Assistance, A Place at Home, Compassus hospice, and Human Network Systems.
John was born in Spokane Washington and raised in Nampa, Idaho. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Eunice Lester Yost; his parents, Margaret and Richard Yost, and his older sisters Gloria Puckett and Patricia Hytrek. He is survived by his nieces Tamara Anderson and Lori Ann Hytrek, his nephew Elbridge Gerry Puckett, numerous great nieces and nephews and their families, and his cherished brindle boxer, Mavin.
He fondly recalled his youth in post-Depression Nampa, reminiscing about time spent on his grandfather's and Uncle Ernie's farm, coal hunting by the train tracks, biking home with a 50 lb block of ice, and losing himself in books by the warm stove. At the age of 15, he met the love of his life, Eunice Lester, during high school. They married in 1952 during his second year at the College of Idaho, an alma mater he was immensely proud of and supported throughout his life.
After completing his undergraduate studies, John pursued medical education at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Though initially considering a career in neurosurgery, he ultimately became board certified in neurology and psychiatry, driven by his desire to make a profound impact on his patients lives. His residency at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln immersed him in the field of psychiatry,
including a transformative experience in forensic psychiatry at the State Hospital alongside a renowned expert from Scotland.
Following his residency, John served in the Army, stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before being deployed to Nha Trang, Vietnam, in March 1967, as an army neurologist at the 8th Field Hospital. He had many stories from that difficult time including being helicoptered into the field to care for soldiers, caring for locals and service members at the hospital, and living in a villa with other physicians. He survived Tet bunkered down for 5 days in the villa with support from South Korean forces and Chinese guards.
Upon returning home to Eunice in Colorado in 1968, John joined Denver General Hospital at the behest of a fellow veteran. Over three decades, he pioneered the hospital's emergency services department, balancing a successful private practice where he was often sought after as an expert in forensic psychiatry. He also worked tirelessly for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in support of their forgotten warrior project. He was one of the early experts helping to publicize PTSD, coauthored the first book on the subject, and traveled the country with and for disabled veterans.
In retirement, he joined the Douglas County Sheriff’s department as one of the first in their volunteer program. He served as a volunteer sheriff for 18 years and performed traffic duty, ran the simulator, cleaned guns, processed gun permits, and consulted occasionally as a forensic expert.
John and Eunice designed their dream home in 1969 in Parker, Colorado, where he lived for 55 years until his passing at home. They had cherished memories with many beloved dogs, cats and horses, and the natural beauty that surrounded them In remembrance, John would have appreciated donations to the Denver Dumb Friends League or a compassionate animal shelter of your choice.

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