Paul Yarnell

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Paul Arther Yarnall, age 85, of Cassville, Missouri passed away Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Roaring River Health and Rehabilitation in Cassville, Missouri.

He was born May 8, 1935 on the family farm in Cassville, the son of Erskine and Jessie (House) Yarnall. 

On October 10, 1954, he was united in marriage to Jane Thomas, who preceded him in death on January 8, 2020. Also preceding him in death were his parents; one sister, Mary Lou Duckworth; two brothers, Charles and Jimmie Yarnall; one son-in-law, Mike Ramser; one brother-in-law, Robert (Bob) Duckworth; one sister-in-law, Willabee Yarnall and Frances Leonard, who lived with Paul and Jane for five years and was like a daughter to them.

Paul graduated from Cassville High School in 1953 and Central Baptist College in 1960. He went on to receive his Masters Degree in Education from both Drury University and Missouri University. For thirty-five years he taught school, was a school counselor and principal in various area schools in Barry County. While he enjoyed education, his passion was his ministry. Paul accepted Christ at the tender age of eight and he surrendered to the ministry at the age of 18. Paul retired from the ministry at Roaring River Baptist Church after pastoring there for twenty of his sixty-seven years in the ministry. During those sixty-seven years, he pastored nine different churches. Paul and Jane gave their lives to serve Christ and their church. He spent several years serving as a chaplain at the local hospital and nursing homes. He loved to read his Bible, pray for and with others, spend time with his family, laughing and always wearing a smile on his face. In his final years, he was a member of Exeter First Baptist Church. Throughout his life, Paul farmed, raised chickens and was a member of Missouri Farm Bureau, being an honorary board member since 2005.

Surviving are two sons, Jerry Yarnall and his wife, Debbie of Cassville, Missouri and Jeff Yarnall and his wife, Michelle of Joplin, Missouri; one daughter, Deborah Ramser of South Jordan, Utah; one brother, Lonnie Yarnall of Cassville, Missouri; one sister, Patty Buchanan and her husband, Carl of Cassville, Missouri; eight grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

He made a great impact on many lives and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Throughout his life, Paul always looked forward to the time when his Lord would say to him, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Exeter, Missouri. Pastor Aaron Weibel and Pastor Jerry Francisco will conduct the services. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Exeter, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Exeter, Missouri.

Contributions in memory of Paul may be made to Missouri Baptist Children’s Home, 400 E. High, Jefferson City, MO 65101 or Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch, 296 Boys Ranch Road, Lampe, MO 65681 or may be left at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.