Leonard "Lenny" Parker Yarrington

The Celebration of his Life will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home Chapel, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. Hampton, Virginia. Fellowship and viewing will be held from 11:00AM-12:00PM, the service will begin at 12:00PM, with Interment and Military Honors to follow the chapel service at 1:00PM. Reverend Norman Tippens, Pastor of First United Methodist Church, where Lenny was a long-time member, will officiate the service.

Lenny was a lifelong resident of Hampton, born July 7, 1922. He began a long and successful life as a caring son to his parents, John and Kate Yarrington. Lenny had 3 brothers; Ellwood, Landon, and Raymond, all deceased.

After high school, Lenny went on to join the Army in November 1942. He spent three years fighting in the bloodiest battles in history, Normandy in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was awarded various ribbons for his service. Lenny was a Cannoneer with Battery B 311th Field Artillery.

He was also a sharpshooter with the M-1 rifle and the MKM Carbine. After his military service, Lenny went on to be a sheet metal specialist at Fort Monroe, Virginia, where he retired from Civil Service.

He was married to his first wife, Helen, for 32 years. They had 3 children together; Joseph Leonard (deceased), and twins, Michael and Maria. Helen died of cancer in 1979 at 53. Lenny married Betty Murphy in 1980 and was married for 30 years, until she died of cancer in 2010.

Lenny is survived by a host of Grandkids and Great Grandkids that he loved and enjoyed. Also, a host of nephews and one favorite niece.

After his 2 long and happy marriages, Lenny moved to a retirement community. There he met a wonderful and special friend, Betty Palko. They shared and enjoyed many laughs and happy times, until his death on December 8th.

Lenny was an avid deer hunter with his father and later with his sons. He also loved fishing with his father (fish was his favorite food). Lenny loved working on cars and did all his mechanical work. Later in life, with his 2nd wife, Betty, they traveled the country on bus tours, trains, and cruises.

Lenny was also a Gold Legacy member of Post 3219 VFW of Phoebus, Virginia. He was very close friends with the past Commander, Stephen Roche. Lenny died a HERO and a happy man with NO illnesses. He was completely coherent until his death. His body was just too tired to go on. If life has a happy ending, this is it.

At this time, we would like to express our deepest appreciation to all the staff at The Devonshire. Also, Amedisys Hospice Group that was with him at the end; Jeremy, Jessica, Judy, Hannah, and Janice, just to mention a few people. Thank you all, from Reese Watson (Maria) & Family.