Leroy Yarbrough Obituary

Yarbrough, Leroy
YARBROUGH HAROLD LEROY YARBROUGH (1934-2008) DR. LEROY YARBROUGH, after a valiantly fought battle with lymphoma, passed away on Christmas Day, 2008. Born in Rome, Georgia, August 23, 1934, to his late parents, J.D. and Charlcie Yarbrough, from whom he inherited a robust energy and determination that was exhibited in every dimension of his life. It was obvious to family and friends early on that he possessed the musical talent and passion for detail that would be accompanied by success. What few could imagine was what the scope of his influence around the world would become. He received his bachelors and masters degrees at Baylor University. While at Baylor he became the director of the Baylor Religious Hour Choir. He went on to do doctoral studies in Choral Conducting at the University of Texas at Austin, and later earned his Ph.D. in Music Education from Louisiana State University. After serving as Minister of Music for 13 years at San Antonio's Trinity Baptist Church, Dr. Yarbrough served 21 years as Chairman of the Division of Church Music and Professor of Choral Conducting and Music Theory at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Following his retirement from teaching, he began his ministry at First Presbyterian Church in San Antonio as Minister of Music, the position from which he retired April of 2008, completing 11 years of ministry there. Dr. Leroy Yarbrough gained respect and recognition around the world for his exceptional conducting skills performed in some 29 states and 30 foreign countries. He was a highly respected choral clinician, organist, composer and arranger for seven publishing companies and made more than 50 recordings. He was as much at ease advising young seminary musicians as directing massive choirs accompanied by renowned symphony orchestras. He knew how to get the absolute most out of musicians while introducing them to the depth and spiritual message of great works of master composers. If you asked him what he considered the most important investment of his life, it would be unquestionably in his love for his family. How could such an intense, persistent, perfectionist disciplinarian be so loving, caring, and gracious? Such was no mystery to his children and grandchildren. A warm, caring and supportive husband, father and grandfather, he possessed a sense of humor and disdain for hypocrisy. He was a role model for family members, for students and congregants. Leroy Yarbrough's life was one of consistency, discipline, integrity, and courage-from his humble beginnings until his death on Christmas Day. Dr. Yarbrough is survived by his teenage sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Edwyna Yarbrough; daughters and sons-in-law, Melody and David Macaulay of Houston, Gina and Danny Howell of Dallas; grandchildren, Ciara and Lindsay Macaulay, Arden, Jake and Grant Howell; and brother, Dale Yarbrough. MEMORIAL SERVICE SATURDAY JANUARY 3, 2009 2:00 P.M. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 404 NORTH ALAMO There will be a reception following the service in Westminster Hall. The family has requested that in place of flowers, those who wish to offer a tribute to Dr. Yarbrough do so as a living memorial to one of the following: First Presbyterian Church Music Enrichment Fund, in Memory of Dr. Leroy Yarbrough, 404 North Alamo, San Antonio, Texas 78205-1985, or Baylor University Center for Ministry Effectiveness and Educational Leadership, Baylor University, One Bear Place, #97050, Waco, Texas 76798-7050. Gift must indicate "Designated to Baylor University Center for Ministry Effectiveness & Educational Leadership in Memory of Dr. Leroy Yarbrough." You are invited to sign the Guestbook atwww.porterloring.com