Larry Ray Yarbrough's Obituary
Larry Ray “Yardbird” Yarbrough, 83, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on March 16, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital. Born on October 30, 1942, in Marble, Arkansas, he was the son of Glen and Jessie Yarbrough.
Larry graduated from Springdale High School before proudly serving in the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1968. While stationed in Germany, he met the love of his life, Wilfriede “Mary Ann” Becker. They married on July 19, 1968, beginning a partnership marked by devotion, humor, and deep companionship. The couple made Tulsa their home in 1971, where they built a life rooted in family, service, and community.
Larry was a man of many passions. He loved the challenge and camaraderie of golf, and he found joy in collecting and restoring classic cars—often with a meticulous eye and a storyteller’s enthusiasm. His commitment to helping others was a defining part of his life. For 20 years, he volunteered with Meals on Wheels, delivering not only meals but kindness and connection. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, always ready to lend a hand wherever it was needed.
Known for his quick wit, warm heart, and generous spirit, Larry had a gift for making people laugh and feel at ease. Friends and family remember him as both a kind man and a very funny one—someone who could brighten a room simply by walking into it.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Jessie Yarbrough. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; his daughter, Kathy; his grandchildren, Kelsey and Spencer; his sister, Linda Sutton of Springdale, Arkansas; nieces Glenda and Connie; and nephew Monty. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched with his humor, compassion, and unwavering willingness to help others.
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