Vallon Tarver, Sr.

Vallon (Verlin) Tarver Sr. was born on October 15, 1935 to Clifford and Connie (Betts) Tarver in Omaha, Texas. Verlin was the youngest of twelve (12) children born to this union. He departed this life November 24, 2012 at Geary Community Hospital after a brief illness. Cremation has taken place with the assistance of Penwell-Gabel Mass-Hinitt Chapel. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, December 8, 2012 at the Second Missionary Baptist Church, 701 W. 10th St. in Junction City with Pastor Dr. Leonard Gray officiating. A repast will be held at the church following the service.

Mr. Tarver finished his primary and secondary education in the Omaha School system then moved to Junction City in 1952 with some of his extended family members. He worked at Kansas State University in the Asbestos Department until he retired from there. Through the years he trained and became a Licensed Master plumber and for many years was the only licensed black plumber in the area. Verlin was baptized and became a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church. He helped install the Baptismal Pool as a young man and commented that he never thought he would actually enter it for the intended purpose, which he did at a much older age. He was outgoing and friendly. He loved to fish, socialize with family and friends, and have fun.

Mr. Tarver leaves to mourn; his Daughter, Ola Womack, his Son, Larry Tarver Lease, Courtney Young, several grandchildren, his cousin and caregiver, Barbara Smith, as well as many extended family members and friends in Kansas and Texas.

Verlin was preceded in death by his parents, his eleven (11) siblings; Clifford Jr., Robert, C.T., L.C., Mansville, Leon, Anslonia, Dorothy Jean, Nesbie, Honey and Mattie; his son, Verlin L. Tarver, his son's Mother and close friends, Jesse Jones, James Smith and Robert Williams.

The family would like to acknowledge the 2nd Missionary Baptist family, the Junction City paramedics , Geary Community Hospital staff and all of their families, and the staff of Penwell-Gabel funeral home for all of their help: thank you for all that you did to make his life a memorable one and his transition from this life a comfortable one. By the grace of God, he is with the Master; no more suffering, heartache or pain, he is done with the trouble of this world. A special thanks to his cousin, his caregiver, his family, and special friend, Barbara Smith: may she have the courage and the strength to carry through with his last wishes that his legacy would be perpetuated and that by the grace of God, she may carry on to completion all of his unfinished wishes.

Farewell and God bless you all and as Verlin would say, "Put your mind in motion before you speak."