Mason Yarbrough

Mason Allen Yarbrough was born on April 25, 1932, in Decatur, Alabama to Bebee Yarbrough and Roxie Pitts Yarbrough. He was the youngest of three children. His mother later married Walter Brown who became a loving step-father to Mason. 

After graduating from Decatur Negro High School in 1949 he became a member of the U. S. Air Force. Mason enrolled in Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama after serving three years in the military.

In 1957 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Social Sciences. After his graduation from Tuskegee, he received a 2nd Lieutenant commission in the United States Air Force Inactive Reserve. He continued his service in the Reserves until 1962. 

While attending Tuskegee Institute Mason met the love of his life and future wife, Erma Jean Hicks. After dating for approximately a year they married on January 24, 1957. One child was born to this union, Mason Adrian Yarbrough. Mason and Erma were blessed to share 64 wonderful years together until God called his faithful servant home. 

The Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama became Mr. Yarbrough's first church home. Upon moving to Gatesville, Texas, he became a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church, under the pastorship of Rev. M. L. Cooper Jr., traveling to Waco on weekends to attend services. Mason was a faithful member for 62 years serving as the chairman of the Trustee Board, on the Building Fund Committee, and in other capacities. 

Mr. Yarbrough was an employee of the City of Waco for 26 years. He retired in June of 1994, from the position of Assistant Director of Planning for Community Development, where he supervised the Community Development Division of the Planning Services Department of the city.
 
Prior to working for the City of Waco, Mason worked as a caseworker for the Gatesville State School for Boys. Before moving to Texas he taught Social Studies at a high school in Ocilla, Georgia, for two years. 

Mason was active in numerous community organizations such as the Carver Neighborhood Association, Waco/McLennan County Safe Kids Coalition, McLennan County Branch NAACP and Eastern Waco Development Corporation. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge Union Seal #64 of the Free and Accepted Masons, Veterans of Foreign Wars-Post #6799, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. where he served as president from 1974-1976.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Gradie Stewart and Artie Johnson, and granddaughter, Sierra Nicole Yarbrough. 

Those who cherish his memory are: his loving and devoted wife, Erma Hicks Yarbrough of Waco, Texas; son, Mason Adrian Yarbrough of Waco, Texas; granddaughters, Adrian Diane Yarbrough and Tone Olivia Sanders both of Fort Worth, Texas; great granddaughter, Ambrielle Dior Johnson of Fort Worth, Texas; cousin, Garnell Yarbrough of Louisville, Kentucky; dedicated nephew, Ladson Burkley (Patricia) of Waco, Texas; dedicated nieces, Rita Burkley and Karen Hicks both of Waco, Texas; and a host of family and friends. 

He would be missed by all who loved him.

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