Thomas John Yarbrough, 79, of Tampa, Florida, passed away on February 8, 2020, at the Advent Hospital North in Tampa, FL. He was born in Hammond, Illinois.
Tom was a hospital orderly at the time he was drafted into the United States Army. He served his country for nearly three years in the medical core of the Army. He earned the Good Conduct Medal and the Marksman (Rifle M-14) during his time in the service.
Coming back from his tour in Hanau Germany, he became a meter reader and a collector for a local loan company. He then moved to Phoenix, Arizona and when an opening on the Police department came up, he was hired. He was a patrol officer for 13 years before becoming a detective. His time on the PD was both challenging, interesting, rewarding and he loved it. Tom retired after 28 years of Law Enforcement.
Tom was a wonderful caring husband. Together, we loved 5 children, 8 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. His wife Barbara resides in Tampa, Florida.
Services are scheduled for Friday, February 14, 2020 at the Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, 709 West Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, Florida. A Public Viewing will start at 1:00PM and will be followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00PM.
Tom was my Field Training Officer at Phoenix PD, when I came out of the Academy. A great guy and a good friend, he taught me plenty and introduced me to lox and bagels. We retired the same year. He will be missed.