Tribute to Ed Yarbrough

This past weekend, Ed Yarbrough passed from this life to a much better place. I am certain that if each of us took pen in hand and made a list of those we consider "pillars of our community" the names would be repeated throughout. Those names would range from elderly to very young, probably an age span of 40 to 70 years. Some of our alumni could name folks who have made a difference, ranging from 1920's until the present day. My list would go back to 1950 at least. Since I've been associated with our alumni family, a couple of folks from that list have passed on. Now another that I knew who made a big difference in this community has joined them. The graduation class of 1964 had, I believe, 13 of us who attended 1st through 12th grades together. Bob Yarbrough was in our class. His mother, Mary Yarbrough, was our Home Economics and 7th grade teacher. In Home Ec, we did a lot of visiting while we did our work. She told us a lot, through one line remarks, and stories of adversity and joys, from dating to raising a family. While she kept the family's privacy, she taught us a lot by example about being a wife, mother, and having a career. In those stories and visiting in their home a few times, I came to hold this family dear and to add both Ed and Mary Yarbrough to my list. Ed Yarbrough was a member of our school board, a diary farmer, raised Shetland ponies, a member of Bethel Methodist church, and in the group who stood up to Oklahoma City to prevent the next huge land grab from swallowing up the community. Bethel Acres was born. It was an exciting period in this community's history, and Ed Yarbrough, like so many others was immersed in that history. When each of us is called home to meet our maker, all we can hope for is to have left behind a legacy that made a difference. Ed Yarbrough was a man of principle, character, a good husband, father, grandfather, a good neighbor, a private man who was helpful to anyone needing it. He worked with the Boy Scouts, and so many more things. Rest in Peace Mr. Yarbrough! Please keep Bob and Don, and their families in your prayers. Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts. His family will have access to your remarks also.