Gary Rex Yarbrough, born on November 14, 1948, in Caracas, Venezuela and raised in Bethel, Oklahoma, peacefully passed away on July 26, 2024, in Oklahoma City, OK. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and cherished member of his community.

Gary had a passion for life and a thirst for knowledge. His favorite hobbies included cycling, running, reading, and continually learning new things. He served as a Marine Corporal in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969. Gary was honored with numerous awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with device, RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal with 1*, Combat Action Ribbon, Rifle Marksman Badge, and Good Conduct Medal during his time serving our country.

He was deeply involved in his church, Mayflower UCC, serving as a Deacon and Trustee. Gary also volunteered as a Whiz Kids tutor, dedicating his time to supporting and guiding young minds.

Gary's love for his family knew no bounds. He was devoted to his wife Melissa, his children Stephen Yarbrough and Mandy Miller, and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He found joy in being needed and helping others and was passionate about encouraging civic engagement and promoting the importance of voting.

His favorite place in the world was wherever his beloved wife Melissa was. Gary enjoyed watching professional cycling and the Tour de France, as well as catching a baseball or football game on TV.

Professionally, Gary was a Systems Analyst and retired from the Oklahoma Teacher Retirement System in 2006. He obtained a Bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Master's degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents George Yarbrough and Ruth Spears Yarbrough, his sister Judy Mayes, and his first wife Linda K. Yarbrough. He is survived by his wife Melissa, his children, Stephen (Elisha) Yarbrough and Mandy (Greg) Miller, stepchildren Megan Averso and Stephen (Ashley) Averso, and grandchildren: James Yarbrough, Jonathan (Alana Riederer) Yarbrough, Kelcie (Manny) Santana-Yarbrough, Jay Yarbrough, Lorelei Yarbrough, Landry Yarbrough, Linda Yarbrough, Trey Miller, great-grandchildren Silas and Amelia Santana-Yarbrough, along with step-grandchildren Arielle Dinan, Leilani Dinan, Loic Dinan, and Asa Averso. Gary is also survived by his sister Kathy (David) Henry and several extended family members.

Gary will be remembered as a quiet and intelligent man, a nurturing and deep thinker, and someone who loved strong and intelligent women. He believed that God was love and exemplified this belief throughout his life.

His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Please share your special memories of Gary below. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Whiz Kids of Oklahoma: www.whizkidsok.org or the Kamala Harris campaign: www.actblue.com