Gary Yerbey and his family have been ambassadors for Bethel since the early 1960’s, starting with his father B.H. Yerbey. It began with a need for campus maintenance projects to which B.H. gladly donated time and resources through his company Yerbey Concrete. The family’s impact on Bethel continues today with a legacy that is far from ordinary.
Familiar with his father’s contributions to Bethel, Gary began playing with a team in the Bethel Golf Classic to help support the event. As Gary learned more about the ministry, he became intrigued about the kids and truly understood the importance of community support. “It stirred my heart,” Gary explained. When the time came for his father to step down as a board member, Gary was invited to take his place. Gary remains a sitting board member today, representing a combined service by the family to the Bethel board of more than 45 years.
The building that now houses Bethel Christian Academy is an extension of the contributions made by the Yerbey family. In 2001, as a result of a monetary gift from the Howard and Marie Russell estate, B.H. Yerbey and contractor Ted Franklin constructed a building on the Bethel campus that was originally used for therapy and tutoring sessions. In 2009, the building officially became the site for Bethel Christian Academy. As the school continued to evolve and grow, renovations were needed. In 2016, Gary Yerbey, the son of B.H., and Bob Franklin, the son of Ted worked together to remodel the school. “Dad built the school from the ground up. The same team that built the school, did the rebuild. This story was God ordained,” Gary said proudly.
Not only was Gary proud to continue the work of service projects, but also that his family had the heart to do the same. Gary’s daughter, Lindsey Yerbey, assisted her grandfather B.H. in the remodel of Poindexter cottage in 2012. “I’m very proud of the Poindexter remodel,” Gary said. “It was special.”
In 2012, Bethel honored B.H. and his family by renaming a road on campus as Yerbey Family Circle. B.H. and his wife Phyllis were both able to witness this honor. Sadly, Phyllis passed in 2013 and B.H. in 2015. Gary continues to honor his father’s passion for Bethel. “Dad never wanted an honor. He was just so proud he would be remembered as a part of the Bethel family,” Gary said.
As the years have passed, Gary gladly continues to serve the kids at Bethel. Each year, Gary invites the kids to the Yerbey family farm for lunch, worship and games. “I love to make something special for them,” he said. It is clear that the kids remain Gary’s motivation for the time and service he gives to the ministry. “The one thing that hasn’t changed is that we have kids that need help. It was a part of Dad, and it is a part of me. I have always wanted to be there for them.”