Jack Eldon Yarbrough

1940 - 2025

Jack Eldon Yarbrough

August 16, 1940 - September 23, 2025

Jack Eldon Yarbrough, 85, of Hagerman, ID, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Born in Wendell, Idaho, on August 16, 1940, Jack was the third of seven children born to Kenneth Andrew Yarbrough and Annie Mae Olander Yarbrough. He spent his early years in Jerome before the family moved to Twin Falls, where he graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1959.

Jack served honorably in the U.S. Army, both stateside and in Korea (1963–1965). He was proud of his military service, earning badges as a marksman and sharpshooter.

On August 12, 1967, Jack married Karen Lee Mares of Buhl, ID. Their daughter, Jackie, was born in 1970, followed by their son, Mike, in 1971. The family settled in the Hagerman Valley in 1972. Always civic-minded and dependable, Jack loved the Hagerman community; he volunteered for over 25 years with the Hagerman Fire Department.

A true outdoorsman, Jack was at home in nature-whether camping, hunting, fishing, or simply relaxing beside a river. He and Karen spent many weekends taking their kids to explore the wild Idaho outdoors, especially around Pine, Featherville, and Anderson Ranch Dam.

Jack proudly dedicated two decades of service as a Park Ranger with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, serving at Malad Gorge State Park, Niagara Springs, and Box Canyon. Jack made numerous friends throughout his park service career and loved helping at and visiting other Idaho state parks. He was honored as Idaho's Ranger of the Year in 2003 and retired in 2005.

Known for his kindness and unmistakable friendly charm, Jack had the gift of gab and never met a stranger. He loved fishing, going to classic car shows, hanging out with the "regular crew" at the local gas station/coffee shop, and having a good laugh with friends and family.

Jack is survived by Karen, his wife of 58 years; his daughter, Jackie (Chris Parish and bonus grandson, Austin); his son, Mike; and his grandson, Gage Yarbrough.

A Celebration of Life service remembering Jack is planned for Saturday, November 1st at 11:30 a.m. at the Hagerman American Legion Hall (281 Main Street, Hagerman, Idaho), followed by a luncheon for family and friends to come together and reminisce.

Jack was a big fan of BSU football, the Green Bay Packers, and spending time in the Idaho outdoors. In his honor, guests are invited to wear their favorite BSU, Packers, or camouflage attire-whatever feels right to you. This will be a casual gathering.

In place of cards or flowers, the Yarbrough family suggests donations in Jack's memory to the Hagerman Fire Department at this address: Hagerman Fire Protection District, P.O. Box 336, Hagerman, ID 83332, (208) 837-4552.

Please visit Jack's memorial webpage at www.bowmafuneral.com