John Wesley Tarpley

John Wesley Tarpley passed away at age 49 on May 21st, 2022, in Carthage, Texas. He was the son of Riley Tarpley and Shirley DeSpain. John was born on January 2nd, 1973, in Dallas, Texas. He married Nicole Leigh Scalora on May 7th, 2006, in Santa Fe, Texas and was married for 16 years. John was a proud husband and father. His family meant the world to him! 

Preceding him in death was his father, Riley Tarpley; mother, Shirley DeSpain; and brother, Rueben Bush.

John is survived by his wife, Nicole Leigh Tarpley; children: John Riley Tarpley, Kelly Tarpley, Anthony Tarpley, Logan Thomas Reid Scalora, Natalie Lynn Tarpley, John Wesley Tarpley, and Dallas Alexander Tarpley; brother Larry Huey; sister-in-law, Josephine Huey; nephew Derek Huey; sister, Regina Drees; brother-in-law, Michael Drees; and nephews Trevor and Brian Drees. 

John spent many years as a boiler maker/pipe fitter working in the oil and chemical plants. His ability to support his family was a source of pride for him. He also served in the Army as a combat medic. Other than his family, John’s passions were history, classic architecture, art, literature, cars, and music of all kinds. He was a treasure trove of information and loved to have in depth conversations.

He put on a hard exterior for the world to see, but his heart and soul were that of gold. That was a side that he only showed to his wife, Nicole. He played hard and made every day a party! 

His faith journey was difficult as he lost his father at a young age. Towards the end of his life, he told his wife that the Lord had made him be still enough to listen, was baptized on March 7th, 2022, and became a member or First United Methodist Church in Carthage, Texas. In his last months, he found comfort in visiting the “Footprints in the Sand Monument” in Carthage, Texas.

At the end, his last thoughts were expressed by telling his wife, “It's been a beautiful ride” and “I love you too.” Listen to the radio.

A Memorial Service will be held on June 4, 2022 at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church Carthage, 201 S Shelby St, Carthage, TX 75633.

A lunch will be served for the family and close friends immediately after the service. 
We will then proceed to the Footprints in the Sand Monument for a Committal Service at 1:30. 
The service and the committal service are open for anyone that knew the family to attend. 
 

The Monument is located at 1320 Dixie Lake Rd, Carthage, TX 75633
 

~This obituary was affectionately written by the family~ 
 

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