Joe grew up in rural Georgia on a farm, was drafted in the Korean War and later graduated from the University of Houston. After active duty as an Army Staff Sergeant, he served in the Army Reserve for six years. He started a HVAC business named Yarbrough Air Conditioning and operated in Houston for over almost 30 years. He enjoyed spending his retirement days gardening, wood-working and volunteering at the SBISD ag-farm for almost 40 years. He was a member of the SBISD FFA Alumni Assoc., The Lions Club, and VFW. For all the volunteer work and mentoring he did, he was awarded the FFA Texas Lone Star Degree, Honorary American FFA Degree and the Texas State Board of Education Heroes for Children Award.
He was a mentor to so many and was loved dearly by his family and many friends. He truly touched so many lives and many say they were better for knowing him. He was a good-ole country boy who would be there to help and more. He was solid and was the spark that made things happen. He made a difference to so many, yet he said he wished he could do more. He is eating fried apple hand pies, eating his momma’s cooking, hunting quail and playing jokes with his heavenly family and friends. He will be forever missed by so many.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Loveern and daughter Cathy, son-in-law Keith, grand-daughters Paige and Allison; sisters and brother-in-law Judy and Early Callan, Lillian Green, and sister-in-law Pauline Yarbrough, and over 30 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his momma Beedie and daddy Ethredge, sisters Hazel (A.Hugh), Robbie (Don), and Drucilla; brothers Malcolm (Charlotte), Glen, and David; niece Carol Jean; nephews Tim, Ronnie, and Paul; and great-niece Kristie.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation to his favorite educational program:
Spring Branch FFA Alumni Assoc.
c/o Joe E. Yarbrough
PO Box 431871
Houston TX 77243
(your donation is eligible for a tax credit)
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