John Paul Scarbrough

Dr. John Paul Scarbrough, 90, passed away quietly in his home after a brief illness on March 30. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Sylvanus Scarbrough, his mother, Roxie Lena Drake Scarbrough, and his brother Eugene Scarbrough. He honorably served his country as a Weather Squadron Commander in the Army Air Corps Eighth Air Force during World War II. He was stationed in England and France. He earned his doctorate from the University of New Mexico. A resident of El Paso for 45 years, he retired from his professorial position in the School of Education at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he was awarded Professor Emeritus status. He was devoted to the field of teacher education, where his diligence, patience, and kindness influenced hundreds of educators in the El Paso area. Among other accolades, he was awarded Professor of the Year and was called upon to serve as keynote speaker at local high school graduations. He was well-liked and respected by students and faculty, and, through his work as liaison between the University and the El Paso and Ysleta Public School districts, he was well-known and respected by local administrators and teachers. He was a Co-Founder of the El Paso Chopin Music Festival, and the El Paso Civic Orchestra, serving on the Boards of Directors of these organizations for many years. He enjoyed many years of happy marriage with the love of his life, Lucy Ardans Scarbrough, who brought the joy of music and creativity to his life. He was a devoted and loving husband and father.He is deeply loved and missed by his children, Paul Scarbrough of Toronto, Canada; Mark Scarbrough of Corpus Christi, Texas; Ann Scarbrough Hanna of Phoenix, Arizona; and Ginger Scarbrough Andersen of Las Cruces, New Mexico; his grandchildren, Simon Scarbrough Wilner, Julian Scarbrough Wilner, Daniel Harry, Therese Hanna, Drake Hanna, John Paul Andersen, Bridget Andersen, and Mark Andersen; his brother, Wendell Scarbrough of West Covina, California; his sons- and daughters-in-law; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Dr. Scarbrough was an independent and creative thinker, and was respected for his strength of character, honesty, and patience. He was the greatest inspiration to his family, colleagues, and friends. With his kind and thoughtful spirit, he will remain our eternal guiding light. We miss you dearly, and will carry you forever in our hearts. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am-12:00 pm, Thursday, April 2, 2009 at Sunset Funeral Home-West, Chapel of Remembrance with a Funeral Service at 12:00 pm. Interment to follow at 1:30 pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West.