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Matthew YARBER Obituary

YARBER, Matthew Franklin departed this world on Sept. 24, 2012, at the young age of 37. A New Port Richey native, Matthew graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1994. At Ridgewood, he was a member of the Varsity football team and wrestling team and was also his senior class prom king. After high school graduation, Matthew served in Americorp for two years until Feb. 1996. He was one of President George Bush's Thousand Points of Light during that administrative term. He moved back home to New Port Richey and began attending Pasco Hernando Community College where he graduated from in 1998 with his A.A. degree. While he was attending PHCC, Matthew was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the Brain Bowl team, National Honors Society, and the Veterans Club. He was the president of the student government and a student ambassador for the college. Of all the positions and organizations that Matthew held, one of his favorites was being hand-selected and appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles to the state's board of community colleges. It is a 13-member board with only one spot being held for a student. On Oct. 28, 1997, Matthew was that student. After his term ended and he graduated from PHCC, he attended St. Leo University where he received two Bachelor's degrees with the goal of one day working in politics, continuing his education and eventually working at a university as a professor in history. History was Matthew's passion. He became a teacher for the Pasco County School Board and started in the Social Studies department working with special education. He taught at Gulf High School and River Ridge High School where he quickly became a favorite of students and his co-workers. Matthew attended, along with his family, Generations Christian Church in Trinity. He recently felt led to work with the youth and began volunteering there on Sunday mornings. Although Matthew's accomplishments, projects, and awards were impressive and amazing, he is probably best known for how he made each individual he met feel special and important. He was a gregarious extrovert who left an impression upon each person he met. It is not an exaggeration to say that if you mentioned Matthew Yarber's name anywhere, regardless of the depth of the relationship one had with him, if they knew him or knew of him, you immediately got a smile from them. He had a wonderful gift of being able to make you laugh, despite the kind of day you were having. All who knew him would say that when Yarber loves, he loves all the way. He was a loyal friend and would do anything for his friends. He had a servant's heart and was always concerned about the welfare of others. To have known Matthew Yarber, you were one of the luckiest people that lived because you had a friend for life in him. Matthew is survived by his wife Shari Yarber; their four children, daughter Eirelyn McEnery; son Logan McEnery; daughter Liaiden McEnery; and son Deacon Yarber; along with Matthew's parents, Steve and Patricia Yarber; and sister, Jennifer Wood. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 11 am at Generations Christian Church, Trinity. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Matthew Yarber Youth Missions Fund, Generations Christian Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tampa Bay Times on Oct. 2, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew YARBER

Not sure what to say?





John

June 28, 2024

To my brother and friend. I think of you always. Miss you man

D S

October 15, 2012

when one of my friends said u passed away i couldn't believe it. i remember ur funny smartness while i was in high school i had no such idea that u were going through some trouble. but all i know and can say u were funny while teaching our class. cant believe ur gone at such a young age and had to leave ur family behind. but may u rest assure now in the heavens of god and may he watch over your family.

Bill Voigt

October 10, 2012

I remember Matt very fondly, he'll be missed. I live in NY now but I can definately say I was one of the lucky ones who knew Matt while I was in College. I am deeply saddened by this loss. My thoughts go out to all his loved ones and friends.

F Flowers

October 6, 2012

This is the second death that is going to be hard for me to deal with. Matt you was so sweet in Americorp*NCCC. When you step in the room you make a dull boring room come alive. Now God wants you home with him to do the same thing in heaven. Rest well! Be Blessed.

kim hamilton

October 4, 2012

you will truly be missed by all, my prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Laurie and Ben Ferris

October 4, 2012

Pat
Our heart goes out to you and your family on the loss of your son, what a beautifully written tribute to his life such an outstanding young man.

Anthony and Lisa Perkins

October 3, 2012

May you rest in peace Matt.
You will be missed.
Our Sympathy's to your family.

dina coppola mills

October 3, 2012

You are with God now...be in peace my friend. Watch over your family..until we meet again my friend.....peace.

Dayna Vizoyan

October 3, 2012

R.I.P BUDDY, YOUR HEART WAS SO POUR WE KNOW U R AN ANGEL IN HEAVEN..

Jeanine Affetto

October 3, 2012

Hey buddy I'm going to miss you things will never be the same without you love yo love you lots! My prayers will always be with your family!

October 3, 2012

Pat and Steve, My condolences on the loss of your son. He was a wonderful friend who always made me laugh. I will miss him and feel comforted knowing that I will see him again one day. I will not be able to attend the memorial service since I will be out of town, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. Love Lisa Canetta-Wolfson and family.

Sarah G

October 3, 2012

I hadnt seen you in quite awhile but I will always remember how you helped me try to get my first job after college, how protective you were of your friends, and how you could always make anyone laugh. You will truly be missed!

Linda Pytel

October 3, 2012

Matt was the one who could be counted on to make a funny comment during the Squires Club meetings at River Ridge. Rest in peace. May the family be comforted by the prayers of friends.

Pamela Moore

October 3, 2012

You will be missed. Rest in peace.

October 3, 2012

Pat and Steve, please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. He was a great son, and I know that you are proud of him and his legacy of love and laughter...May the good Lord bless you with wonderful memories. Sincerely, Sherry Smith (John's cousin)

thomas sibley

October 3, 2012

Hey buddy you were a great teammate and even better friend we will miss you buddy remember " id rather throw you than know you" ram wrestling.

Noah Meyer & Family

October 2, 2012

Mrs. Yarber, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Ioanna Antonakos Stoddard

October 2, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with Matt and his family at this difficult time.

Jason Franjesevic

October 2, 2012

May you rest in piece my friend. I will always remember your smiling face. We have all received a part of your life and for that, I am thankful. May the angels keep you close and now you can conduct Gods work. For us that have been left behind, we will always cherish the times we had. We will see you soon my friend. We will look for you in the promised land.

Doreen Sloan

October 2, 2012

Praying for your family during this time.

Anthony & Leilani Licari

October 2, 2012

Our Prayers go out to Matt's family during this difficult time,Matt will never be forgotten. God Bless

Me and Matthew

Jennifer Newlands

October 2, 2012

Matt was and is one of a kind, there will never be another person like him. Inside was a heart of gold and he would have bent over backwards for anyone. I always referred to Matt as a chameleon, he adapted and reacted no matter what the situation. Where ever Matt went by the end of the night everyone knew the great lovable Yarber! You showed me how to love unconditionally, that no matter what hard ships we may endure we are never given more than we can handle and to stand up for what you believe in. I love you and will miss you, until we meet again.

Danielle G

October 2, 2012

R.I.P our gentle giant...May you rest in peace without worry or pain. I can remember all the good times we had in school and the laughs that U blessed me with.. Thank you my dear friend I will miss you more than you'll ever know.

Cessini & Joe Riley & Family

October 2, 2012

Matt will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

K

October 2, 2012

RIP

Kevin Gambill

October 2, 2012

Gonna miss you buddy.

jennifer

October 2, 2012

RIP MATT ...U WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY...

Dawn Irene Haschalk

October 2, 2012

No matter how long it has been since the last time you made me laugh, it stuck with me for many years! I will miss you always!

Barb McClelland

October 2, 2012

Matthew was a rare individual, not only extremely intelligent, but his love of life and those around him. He a had a great sense of humor and he lightened the lives of those who knew him or met him. He will be missed.

Shannon Gardner

October 2, 2012

Will forever cherish the memories with Matt...

Tracy Freitag

October 2, 2012

You have touched so many lives. The joy and laughter you brought to a room when you walked in was unbelievable. You will truly be missed by all. I hope someday your little boy, Deacon will become a man just like you and share the joy you had for your short time here. Thoughts and prayers to Shari, your children and family. We all have a special angel looking over us...Rest in peace, Matt.

Tracy Freitag

October 2, 2012

You have touched so many lives. The joy and laughter you brought to a room when you walked in was unbelievable. You will truly be missed by all. I hope someday your litrle boy, Deacon will become a man just like you and share the joy you have for your short time here. Thoughts and prayers to Shari, your children and family. We all have a special angel looking over us...Rest in peace, Matt.

Rick Hooker

October 2, 2012

After reading Matthew's obituary I feel like I missed out by virtue of the fact that I never had the PLEASURE of meeting him. I am so sorry for the loss of all that were fortunate enough to know him and call him "friend".

Joanna

October 2, 2012

R.I.P. Matt you will be missed!!

Derrick Wills

October 2, 2012

Yarber, the world will definitely miss you my man. May you forever be at peace.

Donna Maine-Smith

October 2, 2012

Heaven is a little bit happier today. Godspeed, Matt. We will meet again.

Maribeth McMullen

October 2, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Tony Koutsos

October 2, 2012

I'll always have love for you brother...

Christine Farrell

October 2, 2012

you will be missed. Rest in peace.

Terra

October 2, 2012

Matt,
I feel blessed to have known you and the times we shared. Miss your smile and definately the crazy driver every Sunday morning as you would buck all the rules and do it your way! I would not expect anything less. Thanks for the memoris, Rest In Paradise my Friend!

Molly

October 2, 2012

I will always love and miss you!You were such a big part of my life, im so glad to say you were my family! We will someday meet again... Love you Matt

Beth Ciola

October 2, 2012

Prayers & Blessings to the family, Rest in Peace Matt !!

Valerie Hall

October 2, 2012

You are loved. That's all you can ask for in life...may you rest peacefully knowing that your family is being loved too. Keep smiling in heaven - you had such a friendly smile :)

October 2, 2012

What a truly beautiful soul! This is a shining example of how everyone should live! RIP Matt!

Buddy Nix

October 2, 2012

A legend of his time... He will be missed by all.

October 2, 2012

I wish I could have known you ,my Sister Claudia said that she was very lucky to know you, and the way your wife adored you was somthing I someday hope to feel for someone myself ...rest in peace Matthew ...and maybe we will meet when its my turn to cross the river home...

October 2, 2012

Matt Yarber...a good man. A teddy-bear of a man with a broad smile and a hearty laugh. Gone too soon.

Shari Yarber

October 2, 2012

I wrote this, I selected the picture, and I submitted it. It wasn't until I scrolled down through the list of names that my heart stopped and it took my breath away. Matthew Franklin Yarber...It just still seems so unreal to me. I love you Matthew...you were a one-of-a-kind. Thank you for loving my children and for giving me our special little one. You will never be forgotten.

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