Joe Lea Yarbro, 89, of Waco passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2013. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16 at Western Heights Baptist Church, 6301 Bosque Blvd., with Rev. Kip Osborne officiating. Visitation will be 5 - 7 p.m. Friday at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd. Interment will be at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery on Tuesday, March 19.
Joe was born in Caddo, TX December 7, 1923, the fifth of seven born to Gus Inge Yarbro and Anna May (Phillips) Yarbro. The family moved to the oil field north of Nocona, TX when Joe was a small child and he grew up there. He married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Brown, after they graduated, and they were blessed with 70 years together and three loving children.
Joe was proud of serving during WWII in the United States Navy South Pacific operations. The ships participated in many naval operations and battles while he was aboard. It was a special joy to Joe to attend the annual reunion of his shipmates.
After Joe's discharge from the Navy, he attended Hardin College. He went to work for Republic Oil Field Supply Co. in Wichita Falls, TX and was with the company for 38 years. He worked as store manager in Pampa, TX and Wichita Falls, TX then several years in City Sales in Dallas.
Joe was a quiet, unassuming person, always a gentleman. He had a deep love for God, Country, and family. He was an avid sports fan and golfer, who loved the many traveling experiences he and his wife shared. Joe maintained many friendships from high school, the Navy, his work, and from Church. He served as a deacon and in other roles in every church they attended in Wichita Falls, Irving, Valley Mills, Holly Lake, and Waco.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and two sisters.
Joe will be greatly missed by his wife, Marjorie, his sons, Dr. Joe H. Yarbro and wife, Nancie, David Yarbro and wife, Chelsea; daughter, Lea Ann Schmidt and husband, Jim; grandchildren, Ryan Yarbro, Amber Yarbro, Lacey Harris, Anna Schrodt and husband, Jeremy, Charles Yarbro, Sara Yarbro, Jack Yarbro; several great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless friends.
Memorials may be made to Western Heights Baptist Church, 6301 Bosque Blvd. Waco, TX 76710.