Obituary of Robert Earl Yarbrough, Sr.
Robert Earl Yarbrough, Sr.
Robert Earl Yarbrough, Sr., passed away at the age of 75 on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Northwestern Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. He was born in Chicago, IL, the son of Revon Copeland (RV), and Willie B. Copeland. Robert attended Calumet High School on the South side of Chicago. In 1969 he married the love of his life, Samula D. McCarthy. They would go on to have three children, Robert E. Yarbrough, Jr., Marissa D. Adoyi-Usman, and Revon J. Sims. Robert entered the Air Force during the Vietnam War and proudly served for four years. After receiving an Honorable discharge from the Air Force, Robert served on the Police force in Rantoul in Southern IL. However, hearing a strong call to continue his career as a soldier, Robert reenlisted in the United States military, but this time in the Army.
While serving in the Army, Robert was able to travel the world and experience many cultures. He was fluent in Italian and was able to speak Turkish and German well. Not only was he able to learn the languages, he embraced their histories, cuisines, and cultures.
Robert was a natural-born leader with a passion for making those around him the best they could be. At the age of 60, he would go on to earn his Bachelor's and Master's in Business from Benedictine University. He worked as a Policeman, a Caterer, and a millwright before finding Navistar International, a place for his many skills and talents. He mentored and counseled so many whom he encountered before retiring in 2011. During his "retirement" years he traveled to Italy and many of the States here in America. While enjoying two of his hobbies, traveling and photography, he would photograph his journeys, exploring historical sites, creating the opportunity to meet people and establishing invaluable relationships. He became known as “Bobby Chicago” capturing images that grew a large audience. Many people have been able to share many laughs, humor, and even his sarcasm. Robert was a Jack of all trades and mastered many.
Robert is survived by his ex-wife and mother of his children, Dr. Samula D. McCarthy, of Chicago, Illinois; his children, Robert E. (Leah) Yarbrough, Jr, Marissa (Daniel) Adoyi- Dell, and Revon Jaeela Sims; grandchildren, Joshua and his wife Ashley, Natalia, Robert, Nathaniel, Thomas, Mei-Zhen, Isabella, Spc. Timothy (who followed his Grandfather into Military service), Mathew and his wife Faith, Olivia, Malachi, Floyd, and Phillip; his great-grandchildren, Kaelah, Joshua, Aria and Elijah; his brother, Brenton (Janine) Copeland; his sister, Denise Copeland; as well as many, many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father; his brothers, Willie Vance Copland, George Benny Yarbrough; and his beloved sisters, Sylvia, Phyllis, and Myrt.
Robert accepted the lord in his life and loved God with his whole heart. He was a deeply beloved father, uncle, cousin, brother, and friend. His passing was sudden and unexpected from pancreatic cancer.
Though we lost our most beloved father, many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He has been a rock to many, a master at sarcastic humor and witty timing to others. Once you became a part of his life, he'd remain at your side. There was so much more to Robert, he was a warrior, a friend, a coworker, a colleague, a cousin, a brother, a stand-in paternal figure to the fatherless, a handyman, an artist, a garden designer, and the list goes on. We invite you all to share pictures or memories. It was his wish that we laugh and reminisce, and smile together during this time.
A Memorial Gathering for Robert Earl Yarbrough, Sr. will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 11:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad. As it was his request, cremation rites have been accorded.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
