Yarnell Delaney Whitehurst, Jr.
Of Melbourne, Arkansas

Yarnell Delaney Whitehurst, Jr., son of the late Yarnell Delaney Whitehurst, Sr. and Myrtle May Richardson Whitehurst, was born August 1, 1935 in Batesville, Arkansas. He departed this life July 12, 2021 in Melbourne, Arkansas at the age of 85 years, 11 months and 11 days. Y.D. spent his life as a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, provider and friend. After high school, he was united in marriage to Nell O'Neal March 26, 1953 in Melbourne and together they raised two children. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he returned home and took a fire watchman position with the United States Forestry. He worked in the fire tower on Sugarloaf Mountain where he and Nell lived. Soon after, he became a Wildlife Officer with the Arkansas Game and Fish, retiring after 39 years of employment. After leaving the Game and Fish, he spent 12 years with the Izard County Sheriff's Office as a Bailiff, Transportation Officer and Reserve Deputy. In addition to being passionate about his job, Y. D. enjoyed farming, hunting and fishing. Most of all, he loved being a grandpa, spending time with his family and serving the Lord. Y. D. was initiated into Masonic Lodge #141 in January 1966. During his 55 year membership, he was a nine times Past Master Mason and was an active member until his death. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Melbourne First Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon for many years.

Y.D. is survived by his wife of 68 years: Nell Whitehurst of the home; one son and daughter-in-law: Tim and Carol Whitehurst of Melbourne; one granddaughter: Meagen Whitehurst of Melbourne; two brothers: Pete Whitehurst of Little Rock and Harmon Whitehurst of Jonesboro; one sister-in-law: Pat Whitehurst of Sherwood; two nieces: Lisa LeMay and husband Mike of Beebe and Robin Long and husband Ron of Sherwood and a host of other relatives and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter: Teresa Whitehurst and two brothers: James Whitehurst and John Whitehurst.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 14 from 6-8 p.m. at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.
Funeral service will be Thursday, July 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Melbourne First Baptist Church with Rick Burke officiating. Burial will be at Lunenburg Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Jason Jordan, Charlie Melton, Jack Yancey, Ryan Warner, Jeff Cowan and Brian Gaskins.

Honorary Pallbearers: Members of Masonic Lodge #141 and The Freedom Class of Melbourne First Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to: Melbourne First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 554, Melbourne, Arkansas 72556.