Leo Lester Yarbrough (1937-2026)

Mr. Leo Lester Yarbrough, aged 88, passed away peacefully at his home near Caruthers, California on February 13, 2026. Leo was born in Selma, California on February 14, 1937, to Leo Yarbrough, Sr and Vivian Maxine (Barnett) Yarbrough. He graduated from Selma High School, where he played football for the Bears. After high school, Leo was drafted into the Navy. On November 17, 1962 he was married to the love of his life, Peggy "Joyce" Frith. They were devoted in marriage for 63 years. Together, they built a God-centered life for their three children, Rodger, Troy, and Kristi. Leo's life work included a dedication to raisin grape and kiwifruit farming, being a water truck owner/operator, and assisting neighboring farms with custom manure spreading. Leo loved hunting, fishing, playing cards, bowling, watching cowboy movies, camping, and traveling, especially cruising to places like Hawaii, Alaska, and through the Panama Canal. One of his fondest memories was of water skiing the Kings River and gliding into beach landings with a lit cigar in his mouth.

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife Joyce, his sister Nancy (Yarbrough) Menefee, his three children, seven grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Interment services will be held at 9:30 in the morning on Friday, February 27, 2026 at the Wallin's Fowler Funeral Home, located at 302 E Merced St, Fowler, California 93625. Graveside service will follow at the Washington Colony Cemetery, which is located at 7318 S Elm Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.