Kenneth W. Yarbrough

Kenneth Wayne Yarbrough was born in Port Aransas, Texas, to Rosalie Wanoreck and Albert Yarbrough. He grew up in Rockdale, Texas, and graduated from Rockdale High School in 1955, where his gift for leadership was already evident. With his sights set on a world beyond small-town Texas, he began his first great journey: life as a Navy Recruit.

Ken served his country as a U.S. Navy electronics technician, stationed in Europe and the Middle East. He honorably completed his active duty as a Petty Officer 2nd Class in 1957, dedicating four additional years to the Naval Reserve in Texas. He often spoke of the awe he felt knowing the communications he worked with reached beyond Earth, traveling through the galaxies and across the vast universe. Upon returning home, he followed in his father's footsteps and entered the family plumbing business in the Houston area. Ken and his brother, Delbert, shared many memories of crawling under houses together, learning the trade at their father's side.

Ken became a member of Plumbers Local 68 in 1961 and served as an elected business agent for 24 years. A man of great character, he believed deeply in listening to people and working for the common good. He recognized and diligently fought for workers' rights, becoming widely known for his advocacy. He understood what it meant to provide for a family and, through his innovation, developed a dues structure that his local union adopted, which was later implemented nationally.

He then brought his passion for service to the public, dedicating over a decade to community service as the State Representative for District 138, serving from 1991 to 2003. Ken was known for his innovative approach to legislation and his commitment to the working people of Texas. He often asked, "Who is this going to hurt, and how do we fix it?"—a motto that guided his legislation and his life.

Ken believed family was not defined by blood alone. His warmth, charisma, storytelling, and easy sense of humor turned friendships into family at the union hall, out at the deer lease, and in the halls of the Capitol. All it took was a phone call, and he would show up with his tool belt in hand, ready to help.

Throughout his life, Ken remained deeply involved in his community. He proudly participated in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Corral Club Committee for over 40 years, serving as a dedicated sponsor of the Martinique Cookers at the BBQ Cookoff for more than three decades. His commitment to service also extended to his fellow veterans as a long-time member of the VFW and American Legion Post 560.

During retirement, Ken embraced life at his own pace. He would lose track of time in the pages of a good book well into the early morning hours, piddle in the yard, or spend time out at his farm, content in the simple pleasure of being outdoors with his hands busy and his mind at ease. He cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren at the farm and deer lease, and treasured traveling with his wife, Roberta, exploring new places and creating lasting memories.

We will forever remember his wit, integrity, fair-mindedness, his understanding that good policy requires multiple perspectives, and his unwavering dedication to the people.

He is survived by his wife, Roberta Bilsky; his children, Ken "Bubba" Yarbrough, Sissy Yarbrough, Suzanne Yarbrough, and Kendra Camarena and her husband Carlos; his stepchildren, Brenda Bilsky and Wade Bounds; his grandchildren, Clint Conner, Cody Conner, and wife Holly Conner, Bryce Callendar, Star Yarbrough, Travis Yarbrough, C.J. Camarena, Bella Camarena, Chance Gengo, Shelby Lynn, and Jase Lynn; and his great-grandchildren, Knox, River, Rose, and Beau.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Delbert; his sister, Barbara; and his son-in-law, Ray Conner.