Verl A. Diskin, 65, rural Walnut, died 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 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 until 1972, he served in the United States 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. 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.In addition, he also worked as a rancher and stockman.

Verl 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 and Carol A. Coomes were married at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul. She survives, of the home.

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

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

Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 30 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.

Memorial contributions 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.

The Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.