Ned Ellsworth Yingst, 94, of rural Larwill, passed away at 2:47 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City, where he had been taken by the EMS.

Born on December 10, 1930, in Allen County, Indiana, he was a son of the late Clayton Peter Yingst and Goldie Augusta (Hazzard) Yingst.  Growing up in Allen County, he graduated from Arcola High School.

On February 1, 1951, he entered the U.S. Air Force, becoming an aircraft mechanic.  He was honorably discharged from active duty on September 20, 1952, and entered the Air Force Reserves.

Returning to the area, he earned a Bachelor of Business from Ball State University in 1958.  Working for Farm Bureau Insurance, he had a chance insurance meeting with the head coach of Geneva High School, who recruited him into teaching, becoming his lifelong career.  He later earned a Master of Education at IUPU, Fort Wayne.

On March 16, 1958, he married Beverly J. Bowers.  They made their first home in Geneva, then Anderson, and finally, over 55 years in rural Larwill.

After teaching for four years at Geneva High School, Ned transferred to Anderson High School, then South Whitley High School, and over 20 years at South Side High School in Fort Wayne.  He retired in 1992.  Ned held a Real Estate Broker's license and, notably, sold an Auto Race Track in Minnesota.

Always active, Ned and his wife traveled all fifty states and maintained a hobby farm.  They were honored at this year's Indianapolis 500 for a remarkable 75-year attendance at the event, receiving a commendation from Governor Holcomb.  A family tradition at the 500 – they continue to hold tickets for a block of seats in turns 3 and 4.  He was a passionate member of the Gideons and has received 50-year awards for his membership in the Masonic Due Guard Lodge and the Eastern Star.  For over twenty years, he participated in the Indiana State Fair Pioneer Village, operating the sawmill and making corn shuck dolls.  He was a member of the First Church of God.

Becoming enthused with Crosley vehicles built in Marion, he collected and restored many, with over 15 in his current collection.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 66 years, Beverly; children, Goldie Elizabeth (Andy) Roberts, Timothy A. (Deborah) Yingst, Julie A. (David) Stanley, and Samuel L. (Catherine) Yingst; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel W. Yingst.

Visitation is from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday (December 17th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with a Masonic and Eastern Star service at 7 p.m.  The funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.  Burial is at the Richland Center Cemetery near Larwill.

Memorials in Ned's honor are to the Gideons.