WALNUT — Verl A. Diskin, 65, of rural Walnut died at 7:28 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in the emergency room at Girard Medical Center. He had been in his usual health, and death was not expected.

He was born on July 17, 1946, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott to Patrick Diskin Jr. and Vera B. (Volmer) Diskin. He grew up in rural St. Paul, graduating from St. Paul High School in 1964.

Following his high school graduation, he moved to Kansas City, where he worked for Hallmark Cards. From 1965 to 1972, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves. In 1972, he returned to St. Paul, where he went into partnership with his brother-in- law, A.J. Goodsel, in owning the St. Paul lumber yard. Mr. Diskin later became the sole owner of the lumber yard, which he operated until 1990. After closing the lumberyard, he then began driving a school bus for CUSD 101. He first drove for special education and for the past year had been driving for the Erie schools. In addition, he also worked as a rancher and stockman.

He was an active and faithful member of St. Francis Catholic Church. He sang in the choir and also assisted with religion classes for several years. He volunteered many years with the St. Paul School P.T.O. and later became the president for a number of years. He was also a Red Cross volunteer and coordinator to help start the blood drive in St. Paul. He also supported the Special Olympics.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren and visiting with friends. He was also an avid high school sports fan and was even honored with Outstanding Fan Award, Most Valuable Person Award and the Award of Excellence for Exemplary Display of Sportsmanship, Ethics & Integrity.

On Feb. 12, 1977, he married Carol A. Coomes at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include three daughters, Janel M. Scales and her husband, Cliff, of Girard, Monica A. Sommers and her husband, Rob, of Galva and Rachel R. Diskin of the home; two grandsons, Broc L. Scales and Kaleb A. Scales, both of Girard; three brothers, Thomas P. Diskin and his wife, Martha, of Gainesville, Texas, Charles M. Diskin and his wife, Judy, of St. Paul and David Diskin and his wife, Jean, of Girard; two sisters, Mary Paula Goodsel and her husband, A.J., of St. Clair, Mich., and Rose Mary “Rosie” Stevens and her husband, Ron, of Independence; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father on April 20, 1984, and his mother on March, 23, 2010.

The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery. The rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Sunday at the church. The family will receive friends following the rosary. Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to either the American Red Cross, St. Francis Catholic Church or to the St. Paul Alumni Association for the Verl Diskin Scholarship Fund. 

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.