David Joseph Kost

David Joseph “Joe” Kost died peacefully on Sunday, October 1, 2017, in CanonCity, CO. Joe is survived by his wife, Nancy E Kost nee Krill, and his children,Patricia E Loyer and her two children Henry and Robert, Joseph M Kost and Christine A Kost. Joe was born in Worland, WY, January 13, 1955, to David L Kost and Ardeth D Kost nee Morris, the oldest of five children, Julianna S Rhoades, Daniel P Kost, Kenneth M Kost, and Mary C Sandvold.

Joe personified the independence of the American West. Farm life was dear to his heart having spent his formative years in Wyoming working alongside his family.  Joe served in the United States Air Force and graduated from the University of Wyoming.

Joe was devoted to the betterment of rural communities through his thirty-year career with the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development. Joe directed local, regional, and state programs funding community infrastructure, agricultural land and business development, and rural community homeownership. Acknowledged for his experience, he participated in writing national policy for Rural Development in Washington DC. Joe was beloved, well respected, and recognized in his field for his breadth of knowledge in economic development and for his ability to bridge connections and people.

Joe was a founding parent, Treasurer and board member for Core Knowledge Charter School. He was an elder and a puppeteer in the puppet ministry with Christian Family Fellowship. Joe was an avid reader, rarely more than an arm’s length away from a book. When he wasn’t reading, Joe was a self-taught hobby man. He learned calligraphy, whittled, forged his own knives and tomahawks, gardened, curated many collections, and raised an assortment of farm animals.  Upon retirement, Joe bred alpaca and harvested their fiber, and began a successful boutique coffee roasting company. Whether reading or at work, he was always ready to greet you with a warm smile. The family invites all friends and acquaintances to come and  celebrate Joe’s gentle and kind spirit October 14, 2017, at 10:00 am at the Abbey Chapel in Canon City, CO, reception to follow, and at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church in Basin, WY, on October 28, 2017, reception to follow.  Arrangements entrusted to Harwood Cremation & Funeral Service.  Online condolences at Harwoodfunerals.com

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