Monday May 6th, 2024, Jerry Yarnell went to be with the Lord. After a short struggle with kidney failure and several months of dialysis, at Jerry’s request, he moved from continual treatment to palliative care where within days, Jerry passed.
As many of you know, Jerry’s faith was very strong. Jerry put the Lord at the forefront of all he did and was blessed to work in a field that put him into a position to teach not only art, but the abundant life we can all gain through our relationship with the Lord. Jerry was not only a nationally recognized and accomplished artist and teacher but a pastor.
Jerry lived an incredibly fulfilled life with what he taught, both in art and God. We ask for your prayers during this time of grief, knowing that the pain of loss is only left with his close friends, family and many students who love him. Because Jerry is no longer of this world, he is now in paradise with our creator receiving the promise of everlasting life that the Lord gives us.
A small, private graveside service was held on May 10. Most of you know that Jerry dearly loved his three rescue dogs (Gesso, Yogi, and Boo Boo). If you feel moved to do so, in lieu of flowers, please make any donation to Jerry’s favorite charity, Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue.
Jerry’s legacy of teaching, and all that was held near and dear to Jerry’s heart will continue on through Jerry’s website, YarnellSchool.com. Jerry was always so proud of what he made available to the world. Now more than ever before, Jerry’s spirit of teaching and all that the world hungers for in the pursuit of an artistic endeavor, will continue to be available.
We respectfully thank you for continuing to learn and explore your inner artist through the masterful collection of education and teaching that is now Jerry’s legacy that will never be equaled. We will continue to make this treasure available to all.
Again, we appreciate any prayer that lifts the family and friends during this most difficult time, but we are calmed to know that Jerry is at peace with his creator, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jerry's ObituaryThis is a question we receive daily at our Studio. Jerry’s official name was Joseph Jerome Yarnell, Jr., but everyone called him Jerry. The history around this is Jerry’s father was also named Joseph Jerome Yarnell, so to tell them apart, his parents began calling him Jerry. The name Jerry became the name everyone knew him by and it served him well in his professional career as an artist. Jerry actually had a multi-faceted career…
Jerry the Artist you see on his very popular PBS TV show Paint This with Jerry Yarnell® which airs worldwide, and the number one art show of its kind in Canada. Also, Jerry the instructor of his successful private art school, The Yarnell School of Fine Art in Skiatook, Oklahoma. And, Jerry the Author of 16 books on painting instructions. Jerry had an intense desire to share his painting ability with others, and this unique talent made him stand out from the ordinary.
Visit "Jerry's" Instructional PaintingsYes, there were TWO sides to Jerry, the one you see on television and has a passion to teach and to share the art…then there was “Joseph Yarnell”, a commissioned artist of museum quality fine art for collectors. For this part of his career, he went by his legal name, Joseph Yarnell to separate the two careers: teacher versus master artist. The Yarnell Commissioned Paintings Program provides collectors an opportunity to own an original custom work of art to fit their special needs. If you wanted to get to know Jerry as an award-winning collectible fine artist, he was known as Joseph. His beautiful fine art collections (and full bio) can be viewed on his Gallery site at JosephYarnell.com
VISIT JosephYarnell.comJerry and his Bride Ms. Donna’s world evolved into a thriving Yarnell Family Community with a following of over 60,000 students – a great many students who have also become collectors of the Joseph Yarnell fine art pieces. Together, there focus was on fulfilling the A-Z needs of any artist at any skill level – all in a Christian environment. This focus carries on through Yarnell School Online.
