Don Yarbrough

Don Yarbrough, 79, of Jonesboro, died Saturday, October 09, 2010, at the Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Don was born in Jonesboro and lived much of his life here. He graduated from Jonesboro High School and attended Arkansas College in Batesville on a football scholarship. He dropped out of college, joined the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of the Korean War. Following military service, Don earned Bachelor and Master degrees from Arkansas State University.

Don coached football at Harrisburg High School in 1958 then at Annie Camp Junior High beginning in 1960. In 1965, the football program was begun at Nettleton High School and he served as head football coach from its inception through the 1969 season. He transferred into administration and served as middle school principal until his retirement in 1985.

Don was a member of First Baptist Church where he was a former Sunday school teacher, was a member of the Mens Fellowship Sunday School Class, and Care Center volunteer. He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Arkansas High School Coaches Association, the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association, and the ASU Alumni Association. Don was preceded in death by his parents, John J. and Fay Mangrum Yarbrough, and by 3 brothers, Jean, Floyd and Loyd Yarbrough.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Harriett Yarbrough of the home;
1 son, John Yarbrough of Jonesboro; and
1 brother, James W. Yarbrough of Memphis.

A memorial service will be held Monday afternoon at 3:00 in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Bruce Tippit and Kathy Holler officiating. Private burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

Honorary pallbearers include Jerry and Donna Schisler and members of the Fellowship Sunday school class.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the First Baptist Church Care Center, 701 S. Main, Jonesboro, AR 72401, or the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 400 East St., Jonesboro, AR 72401.