Rev. Robert Walter Yount

Obituary: CHINA GROVE - The Reverend Robert "Bob" Walter Yount, 89, of China Grove, NC, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 18, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. Born July 14, 1922, in Lincoln County, he was the son of the late Samuel Walter Yount and Flossie Richardson Ramsey Yount. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Ima Jean Newton Yount, who died September 30, 2007; two sisters: Louise Yount Blackburn and Estelle Yount Wright.Reverend Yount was a dairy farmer with his father in Lincoln County before he was "called to the ministry." He remained a dairy farmer while attending Lenoir Rhyne University, Hickory, NC, where he received his A.B. Degree in 1959, and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC, where he received his B.D. Degree in 1962. He became an ordained minister with the NC Lutheran Synod on June 17, 1962 at his home church, Trinity Lutheran Church, Vale, NC. In 1982 he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University.During Reverend Yount's ministry he pastored the following congregations: St. John's-St. Mark's, Caldwell County, 1962-65; Trinity, Cabarrus County, 1965-1981; Sharon, Statesville, 1981-1993. He served on the Parish Education Committee, 1971-72 and the World Missions Committee, 1970 for the Lutheran Church in America. While at Trinity, Cabarrus County, he was the Chaplain for the Northwest Cabarrus High School football team and was honored by the school with the Yearbook Dynamis dedication. He was a member of the Board of Trustees for Mitchell Community College, Statesville, NC while at Sharon, Statesville. Reverend Yount and Ima Jean retired to China Grove in June 1993 where they became members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Because his desire to serve his Lord and to serve others was so strong, he continued his ministry as a supply pastor for many churches and became the Visitation Pastor for Organ Lutheran Church, Salisbury until his stroke in August, 2010. He conducted many reunion services at the Old Cherry Hill Lutheran Church in Davie County and welcomed the opportunity to minister to the residents at the Lutheran Homes in Salisbury and Albemarle, as well as, to other nursing and retirement homes. Reverend Yount is survived by his son, Gary Yount and partner, Cindy Miller of China Grove; two daughters: Barbara Beaver and husband, Jerry of Salisbury and Joyce Poovey and husband, Paul of Newton; grandchildren: Jennifer Beaver Ritchie and husband, Jason of China Grove, Stephanie Yount of San Francisco, Ca, Susan Yount Mahboubi and husband, Vafa of Davis, Ca., Holly Poovey of Newton, Lani Beaver Earnhardt and husband, Brandon of Salisbury, and Leah Poovey of Corneilus; and great-grandchildren Maya, Ella, August and Isaac Mahboubi, Jacob and James Ritchie. Also surviving are two sisters: Kathryn Goodman of Charlotte and Bryte Mosteller of Morganton; and, one brother, Sam Yount of Morganton. Also left to cherish his memory is a sister-in-law, Sadie Newton Beam of Denver, NC and many wonderful nieces and nephews.Reverend Yount touched many lives during his 50 years of ministry. He was a great father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend and pastor to so many people. He had a sweet and gentle spirit and a servant's heart. He never met a stranger and he loved to share the good news of the gospel. He will be remembered for his love of gardening and sharing the fruits of his labor with everyone, going to the beach and Blowing Rock, and spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed church activities with the members of St. Mark's and Organ, attending ministerial functions, and participating in the NC Lutheran Synod ELCA meetings at Lenoir-Rhyne University. A celebration of Reverend Yount's Life will be held at Organ Lutheran Church, Salisbury on Monday, August 22, 2011 at 12:00 PM. Ministers officiating at the service are The Reverend Dr. Leonard Bolick, Bishop of NC Lutheran Synod ELCA, The Reverend Carlin Ours, Pastor of Organ Lutheran Church, Salisbury, and The Reverend Gregory Yeager, Pastor at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, China Grove. A graveside service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church's cemetery in Vale at 4:30 PM. The Reverend Gregory Yeager will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:45 AM at the church. The family would like to thank all those who lifted up prayers for Reverend Yount since his stroke last year. A special thank you to those who visited him, sent cards and posters, brought gifts, and made prayer quilts. We would like to acknowledge Dad's wonderful caregivers, Hazle Brooks and Brenda Rice, as well as, Gentiva of Kannapolis and Hospice of Cabarrus County. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 326 N. Main St., China Grove, NC 28023; Organ Lutheran Church, 1515 Organ Church Rd., Salisbury, NC 28146 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.Online condolences may be sent to the family of Reverend Yount at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com. The family is creating a memory book and would like for you to post a memory or send a note to the home about Reverend Yount.
Visitation: 10:00 - 11:45 AM Monday, August 22, 2011 Organ Lutheran Church, Rockwell NC

Service: 12:00 PM Monday, August 22, 2011 Organ Lutheran Church, Rockwell NC

Interment: 4:30 PM Monday, August 22, 2011 Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery, Vale NC