Donald Yarbrough, age 80, of Stockton, Alabama passed away on Friday, July 10, 2020. Donald was born August 4, 1939. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Bill and Annie Lee Yarbrough, siblings, Bettie Simmons, George Yarbrough and Joe Clay (Chip) Yarbrough.
Donald was beloved by his many family and friends and was a friend to everyone. He was a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, granddaddy, a storyteller, a master of the slight of hand, prankster, patient teacher, a hero, larger than life man who actually lived all those things you see in the movies about war and growing up.
Donald Yarbrough joined the United States Navy at 17 years of age in October 1956 and later the United States Marine Corps in August of 1961. After nearly 27 years of military service, he retired as Master Sergeant. During his service to his country, he served aboard the USS Kenneth Whiting, was with VMFA 323 "Death Rattlers" at Chu Lai, survived the Tet Offensive and became the 17th person certified as a welder in the United States Marine Corps. He fabricated and invented numerous aircraft parts as a sheet metal mechanic, served aboard the USS Nimitz with the VMFA 333 "Trip Trey" and traveled around the world, visiting more countries and accomplishing more things than we can ever list.
After his retirement, he did not stop serving his country. He found himself overseas again during Operation Desert Storm as a civilian with NADEP.
He was "Handsome Don", the handsome prince, who was prettier than you and had a long nose and no lips. He was a profession and he loved his bride, who will miss him always, until she sees him again.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Yarbrough and children; Lois Anne Anderson (Thomas) and Sandra Marie Welborn (Matthew). He is also survived by his sister, Catherine Sheffield, brother Billy Marvin Yarbrough (Brenda Brooks), his 11 grandchildren; Christian, Marie, Rebekah, Alycia, Sarah, Stephen, Emily, Danielle, Thomas, Timothy, Raylan and 8 great-grandchildren; Jordan, Kharma, Kaidyn, Cary, Stara, Gabriel, Leo and Stella.
Visitation will be held at Radney Funeral Home-Saraland, AL on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.
Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-saraland.com
