Robert Van Yount
January 19, 1953 ~ March 21, 2022
Robert Van Yount, 69, of Desloge, passed away March 21, 2022, at his home, surrounded by family and friends. He was born January 19, 1953, in Bonne Terre, to the late Robert Leon and Mary Lois (VanLear) Yount. Van was a proud Purple Pup who graduated from Leadwood High School and attended Mineral Area College. He then graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in education.
After graduation, Van taught 5th grade at Valley School District in Caledonia, and continued his career at North County. He taught for a total of 31 years, while also coaching basketball at many levels. His love of coaching helped lead his teams to great success throughout his 39 year career. The relationships he built while teaching and coaching, shaped his life as well as many others.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Yount; sister, Patti Sullivan; cousin as well as best friend, Steve Yount.
Van is survived by his children, Kelly Gentry, Nathan Yount and wife Brittney; two granddaughters, Annabelle and Elsie Yount; mother of his children, Vicki Yount, brother in-law, Stan Sullivan; nieces Erin Sanders and Jennifer Pearce; many cousins and other family members, friends, and his loving dog Gus, also survive.
Van was an active member and volunteer at First Baptist Church of Desloge. Memorials may be made to the FBC Desloge Family Ministry Center.
Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM. The visitation will resume Sunday, March 27, 2022, at 12:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM. Dr. Pastor Bradford Laubinger will be officiating. Interment will follow at Leadwood Cemetery.
View obituary and share condolences online at www.www.czboyer.com
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What a kind, kind man. We have known Van as long as I can remember. Always a story, would do anything for you, touched so many lives in his teaching/coaching career. Van will be missed and was loved by many. 💙💛
Mr Yount was what I remember to be a gentle giant. I remember being in his class on that harrowing day in September 2001. He softly told us that something horrible had happened in the world, as we saw kids being signed out and going home all around us, and that we needed to go home and talk to our families- and especially love them.
I’ll never forget it. ❤️
RIP
Van Yount was one of the kindest, nicest, most thoughtful people I have ever known. It was never about him; but always about everyone else. He loved and cared about his family, friends, and everyone everywhere. He had a heart of gold. It was with great sadness that I learned about his passing because he made the world a better place. Van will be greatly missed. This message is filled with love and prayers for all of Van's family and friends. May God Bless You All.
Jim & I are so sorry to hear of Van’s passing! Van was such a great guy & so lived by all! I really enjoyed working with him at North County! Our love & prayers to Vicki & the entire Yount family!🥰
Van was a dear friend. His mother, Mary, and I taught together at West County R-IV. Van and my sons Mike and Wes Rowden had fun and arguments playing wiffle ball in our back yard when they were kids. He will be sadly missed by all.
I had the pleasure of working with Van for ten years and remained his friend for life. I always remember the smile on his face and his wonderful laugh. He often had a joke for me first thing in the morning. Van had a heart of gold filled with kindness and love. He touched so many children's lives during his teaching and coaching career. He was so proud of his children and he literally glowed when he spoke of his granddaughters. What a wonderful Grandpa he was! My love and thoughts go to his family. May God wrap His loving arms around you during this time of loss. We have all been blessed by having had the opportunity to have Van in our lives..
Coach Yount took on the task of coaching us at the junior high school level during the first year of girls' basketball being offered in the (Mineral Area) Conference, around 1976/1977 or 1977/1978 school year. What a task he had ahead of him as we learned to dribble, then run and dribble, and shoot. He even taught us the granny free throw shot hoping we could all get our free throws to the basket. Rest in peach Coach Van Yount and my condolences go out to his family and friends.
Sue (Mueller) Abel
Valley R-6 Class of 1982
So sorry to hear of Van’s passing! What a good man! I knew Van in high school. He has always been the same. Quiet spoken, intelligent, a man you never forget. Such a good coach. Van Yount was the ultimate PURPLE PUP! Go PUPS!!
Christa, from your ARU family, we are so sorry for your loss. We know how wonderful of a person and a support to you that your uncle Van has been. You are in our thoughts.