Ferrell Max Yarbrough

Ferrell Max Yarbrough of Henderson, Nevada, entered into eternal life on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at the age of 84.
 
 Ferrell was born August 20, 1939 in Paris, AR to his mother, Pearl Walker Yarbrough, homemaker, and his father, G. Richard Yarbrough, coal miner of 20 years.  When coal mines closed in that part of AR, his father moved his young family to Red River Parish in north LA in hopes of a better future and to join his brothers Harvey, Caleb, and Porter who had recently moved from AR to that area. 

Ferrell had begun elementary school in Paris, AR and continued in Coushatta, LA.  He then attended Coushatta High School where he excelled in football as an offensive and defensive tackle under Coach Gene Knecht; he also excelled in basketball and track events. 

He spent his youth alongside his brother Gerald Don helping their father farm cotton in the rural community of Gahagan, LA. They earned their summer tans by baling and loading hay.  

After high school in 1957, Ferrell earned a full athletic scholarship in Football at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. From 1958 to 1961 Ferrell was a standout lineman at Northwestern State University. He is also a member of the Top 100 Demons of the Century roster chosen during the 2007 Demon Football Centennial Celebration. He was a force as a tackle on both sides of the ball.   Ferrell was selected as team captain in 1961 and was All-Gulf States Conference along with winning the Demons “Best Defensive Lineman” award.   Ferrell played in the All American Bowl in Tucson, Arizona and played professionally in the AFL with the Oakland Raiders.  He was drafted in the 8^th round by Oakland and also was taken in the rival 1962 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers (244^th overall).

Ferrell worked for over forty years for Highlands Insurance Company and Littleton Claims Service as an Insurance Claims Adjuster.  

Ferrell is survived by his son Shannon Yarbrough of Garland TX; his daughter Stacey Nilsen of McKinney, TX; a son Branden Yarbrough and wife Andrea Yarbrough of Henderson, NV. Ferrell is also survived by five grandchildren; Cody Johnson of Plano, TX; McKensey Johnson of Chicago, IL; Addisyn Nilsen of Anchorage AK; Dylan Yarbrough of Henderson, NV; Allison Yarbrough of Henderson, NV and a Great Grandson Wyatt Johnson of Plano, TX; a sister Margaret Ann Killen and husband George Killen of Shreveport, LA; and a sister in law Lela Stonerock Yarbrough of Rockwall, TX.  Also surviving Ferrell are nieces, Donna Yarbrough Hymel and Martha Yarbrough Purifoy; Ashley Killen Lattier, Meagan Killen Baker, Leslie Yarbrough Johnson, Lorie Yarbrough Bailey, and Lindsi Yarbrough Smith.

 Ferrell is predeceased by his brother Gerald Don Yarbrough and their parents.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 12 noon till 1:00 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel Broadmoor Baptist Church, 4110 Youree Drive, Shreveport, LA. 71105. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. following visitation Saturday, February 24, 2024.

The service will be officiated by Dr. John Sullivan and Dr. Larry Williams.  Soloist Frank Gunn with piano accompaniment by Mrs. Marcia Harper. Ferrell’s best friend Wayne Earp, will share memories of their college years enjoying some competitive football seasons during the 1960’s. No graveside service will be held. 

Ferrell was a Christian.  At an early age he accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.   

Friends of Ferrell’s have contributed $2,550 to the Northwestern State University athletic program in his memory. In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to the Athletic Program at Northwestern State University or the American Diabetes Association. 

Honorary Pallbearers: Wayne Earp; Jackie Smith; Herbie Smith; Glen Talbert; Walter Weaver; Roger Williams; Kent Willoughby; Al Anding; Troy Burch; Billy Calvert; Ronnie Daigle; Donnie Kelly Darrell Mayes; Steve Murphy and Don Beasley.