BRISTOW -- A Bristow native considered the father of modern hot-air ballooning died Thursday.

Paul "Ed" Yost perfected the concept of using propane heat to fill a balloon to make it fly and be maneuverable. He died of natural causes at this home in Taos, N.M. He was 87.

Bristow celebrated Yost's accomplishments in 2002 during a Veterans' Aviation and Hot Air Balloon Weekend. A monument was erected in Yost's honor. He was a World War II veteran.

The aviation pioneer refined the modern-day balloon. This included using nonporous heat-resistant synthetic fabrics, maneuvering vents and deflation systems for landings that made untethered balloon flight possible. He made the first free flight in 1960, and he piloted the first balloon flight across the English Channel three years later.

Karen Cornwell, a Bristow historian and close friend of Yost, said he had a soft spot for his hometown. He visited the area every Memorial Day. His parents and wife are buried in Allison. Yost was driving to Bristow when he fell ill. He returned home and died.

"I'll never forget Ed no matter how old I get. He was one in a million," Cornwell said. "He donated a war memorial to all the Bristow veterans. He would do anything for you. That's just the way he was."

Longtime resident Jim Wubbena, 70, said Yost was a "common Joe." That's what made him so special, he said.

"Some people like to let you know how important they are. He was not like that," Wubbena said.

A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Allison Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the National Balloon Museum in Indianola.

Contact Matthew Wilde at (319) 291-1579 or matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com.