Obituary of Donald Evan Yarbro

Donald "Don" Evan Yarbro November 08, 1927 - December 09, 2012 Born on November 8, 1927, the eldest son of E.B. and Rosa Lee Yarbro, Donald Evan Yarbro crossed over into a better world on December 9, 2012, following a lengthy illness. Moving to Lovington from his birthplace of Vaughn, NM at the age of three years, Don attended and graduated with honors from Lovington schools in 1945. He then attended Hardin Simmons University, graduating in 1949. A veteran of the Korean conflict, serving from 1950 to 1952, Don then returned to Lovington where he later married Dorris McKibben on August 22, 1956. During the next 56 years together they raised two daughters, Landis Martin and husband David Joe of Eunice and Betsy Turvey and husband Tim of Shelby Township, Michigan and their family expanded to include two grandsons, Aaron Lawson and wife Tabatha and Cade Lawson, as well as two great grandchildren, Alan and Memphis. Even though the years created change, Mr. Yarbro maintained a very special relationship with his grandson’s father, Harold Lawson. Mr. Yarbro’s accomplishments include: charter member of the Lovington Country Club, member and officer of the Lovington Lions Club, member of Lovington zoning commission and longtime member of the Lea County Republican Party. He was co-founder and member of the Hobbs Chapter of the Soaring Society of America, member and officer of the CloudDusters R/C airplane club and member of the Lovington Centennial Planning Committee and an oft-time member of Lovington High School Reunion committees. As a result of his active community involvement, Don was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Lea County Fair and Rodeo Parade in 2010. He was a dedicated member of Third and Central Church of Christ. His active mind and sense of curiosity led him to be involved in many other activities and hobbies, including: ham radio, photography, music, astronomy, soaring, computers, hunting, cooking, flying (he was a licensed pilot for many years) and his foremost love and interest, his family life. A business entrepreneur, Don, in partnership with surviving younger brother Weldon, was involved in several business ventures including: Yarbro’s Department Store, a family business and Yarbro’s Incorporated Real Estate, Yarbro’s Appraisal Service, Yarbro’s Property Management, Yarbro’s Farms and Ranches, Yarbro’s Construction and Kentucky Fried Chicken of Lovington and Artesia. Mr. Yarbro’s dedication to a life filled with benevolence, kindness and honesty continued throughout his retirement. A Celebration of his life is planned for Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at Third & Central Church of Christ at 2:00 pm with Dale Rhodes officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 11, 2012 from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm with family in residence from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com.