Charles Lee “Mickey” Yarbrough
September 1st, 1939 - June 21st, 2022
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Mickey's Obituary
Charles Lee “Mickey” Yarbrough of Benton Harbor, Michigan departed this life on June 21, 2022.A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Charles Yarbrough Park located on Riverview Drive and the corner of Empire Avenue in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Mickey was born on September 1, 1939. The son of Mosby and Laura Yarbrough. His Siblings include: Glenn Yarbrough, Betty Madison (Glenn), Robert Louis Dockins, Lyneva Dalton (Rudolph), Sandra Wilson (Charles III), Michael Yarbrough, Richard Yarbrough (Rosetta), David Yarbrough, Robert Robinson, Arby (Wilma) Yarbrough, Gracie Holliday, Diane Rutter, and Harold Dockins.
Charles was a proud member of Second Baptist Church where his Pastor is Kenneth Eric Robinson. Mickey was a member on the Adult Usher Board. “He declared he was a door keeper for the Lord”. A 1959 Graduate of Benton Harbor High School, Mickey was a member of the 1957-1959 BHHS Tigers Star Varsity Basketball team. He earned three varsity letters in Football, and many regional trophies and medals in track and field, hurdles, and high jump. Mickey was on the first Rotary Track Meet held in Berrien County.
Charles’ employment and public service activities included:
o Bendix Corporation, Clark Equipment and Berrien County Juvenile Court.
o United States Army Veteran, where he was a member of the 101st Airborne. He served in Europe and was a member of the Army Basketball team.
o As a Berrien County Juvenile Probation Officer for 31 years Yarbrough was always fighting for the youth of our communities, he was not only a probation officer but a strong, positive male role model and
mentor to many of his “Juvies”. Numerous families and young men say that thanks to Yarbrough’s guidance they are successful in their lives today. Colleagues have often complimented his unconventional but
effective methods, and respected his impact on the young men.
o Charles Lee Mickey Yarbrough served many years on The City of Benton Harbor’s Housing Commission making important and necessary decisions that improved our housing.
o Benton Harbor City Commissioner from 1970-1995.
o Mayor of Benton Harbor from 1997 - 2003.
o Yarbrough was the longest elected official in the City of Benton Harbor.
o Mickey was a founding member of the Bachelor 14 Social Club.
o A Founding member of the Benton Harbor Homecoming - a bi annual event which Yarbrough says was created to celebrate with hometown friends. “People only come home when someone dies - let’s come
home to celebrate life.” BH Homecoming was held for 20 + years.
o A supporter of the Little Italy Historical Park Project - an organization which is also developing a park in an area of Benton Harbor once known as “Little Italy”- Mickey’s Childhood neighborhood.
o Charles was also a member of American Legion Post 410.
Charles leaves to cherish his memory his wife Mamie Luella Nunley Yarbrough and his children, Dawn Delynne Yarbrough (Giuliano Zoppi), Nyles Charles Yarbrough, Antonio James (Belinda), Toia Reed Charmaine Johnson (Michael), Kelly Johnson (Rahman), Mariah Black. Many grandchildren and relatives. The Family has requested that donations be made to the Benton Harbor Public Library in lieu of flowers. The Celebration will continue from 6:00 pm at Babe’s Restaurant, 565 Riverview Drive, Benton Harbor, Mi.
Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
Mickey was born on September 1, 1939. The son of Mosby and Laura Yarbrough. His Siblings include: Glenn Yarbrough, Betty Madison (Glenn), Robert Louis Dockins, Lyneva Dalton (Rudolph), Sandra Wilson (Charles III), Michael Yarbrough, Richard Yarbrough (Rosetta), David Yarbrough, Robert Robinson, Arby (Wilma) Yarbrough, Gracie Holliday, Diane Rutter, and Harold Dockins.
Charles was a proud member of Second Baptist Church where his Pastor is Kenneth Eric Robinson. Mickey was a member on the Adult Usher Board. “He declared he was a door keeper for the Lord”. A 1959 Graduate of Benton Harbor High School, Mickey was a member of the 1957-1959 BHHS Tigers Star Varsity Basketball team. He earned three varsity letters in Football, and many regional trophies and medals in track and field, hurdles, and high jump. Mickey was on the first Rotary Track Meet held in Berrien County.
Charles’ employment and public service activities included:
o Bendix Corporation, Clark Equipment and Berrien County Juvenile Court.
o United States Army Veteran, where he was a member of the 101st Airborne. He served in Europe and was a member of the Army Basketball team.
o As a Berrien County Juvenile Probation Officer for 31 years Yarbrough was always fighting for the youth of our communities, he was not only a probation officer but a strong, positive male role model and
mentor to many of his “Juvies”. Numerous families and young men say that thanks to Yarbrough’s guidance they are successful in their lives today. Colleagues have often complimented his unconventional but
effective methods, and respected his impact on the young men.
o Charles Lee Mickey Yarbrough served many years on The City of Benton Harbor’s Housing Commission making important and necessary decisions that improved our housing.
o Benton Harbor City Commissioner from 1970-1995.
o Mayor of Benton Harbor from 1997 - 2003.
o Yarbrough was the longest elected official in the City of Benton Harbor.
o Mickey was a founding member of the Bachelor 14 Social Club.
o A Founding member of the Benton Harbor Homecoming - a bi annual event which Yarbrough says was created to celebrate with hometown friends. “People only come home when someone dies - let’s come
home to celebrate life.” BH Homecoming was held for 20 + years.
o A supporter of the Little Italy Historical Park Project - an organization which is also developing a park in an area of Benton Harbor once known as “Little Italy”- Mickey’s Childhood neighborhood.
o Charles was also a member of American Legion Post 410.
Charles leaves to cherish his memory his wife Mamie Luella Nunley Yarbrough and his children, Dawn Delynne Yarbrough (Giuliano Zoppi), Nyles Charles Yarbrough, Antonio James (Belinda), Toia Reed Charmaine Johnson (Michael), Kelly Johnson (Rahman), Mariah Black. Many grandchildren and relatives. The Family has requested that donations be made to the Benton Harbor Public Library in lieu of flowers. The Celebration will continue from 6:00 pm at Babe’s Restaurant, 565 Riverview Drive, Benton Harbor, Mi.
Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
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