Howard Eugene "Tarp" Tarpley

Howard Eugene Tarpley (Tarp), 85, of McCamey, passed away on Wednesday, December 31st, 2025, in McCamey.

Howard was born on December 31st, 1940, in Bonham, Texas to Howard R. Tarpley and Jewel Christene Jones Tarpley. Howard married the love of his life, Scottie Gayle Fletcher Tarpley on September 26, 1958, and they celebrated 63 years of marriage before she proceeded him in death in April of 2022.

He spent his early years working in body shops, well servicing and drilling before he began his 44-year career as the mechanic for K&S Trucks. He had a deep lifelong passion for cars. He was an avid reader and collector of cars, car books, drag racing and spider solitaire.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife Gayle Tarpley, his son Harley Tarpley, his parents Howard and Christine Tarpley, his brother Ray Tarpley and his in-laws Scottie and Katy Fletcher.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Melinda Tarpley of McCamey and his grandchildren Chase and Janet Brooks, Chelsea and Paul Gonzales, Cheyenne and Kris Norris; great grandchildren, Saylor Gonzales, Kayce, Klelle and Kreely Norris.

Visitation will be held at the Nichols Funeral Home in McCamey on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 5pm to 8pm. Graveside services will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Resthaven Cemetery in McCamey. Arrangements are under the care of Nichols Funeral Home.