Gary Tarpley, age 84 of Calhoun, passed away on December 3, 2025, at his home in Calhoun, Illinois.  Gary was born on September 9, 1941, the son of James and Ruby (Biehl) Tarpley. Gary married his wife Rita Graham, on November 27, 2013, after being together for many years and she preceded him in death on February 8, 2019.  Services will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Meyer Funeral Home in Olney, Illinois with Pastor Mike Baker officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held for 1 hour prior to services. Burial will be held following the service at Shiloh Cemetery in rural Berryville, Illinois.

Gary loved the outdoors. He could be found outside most of the time when the weather allowed. Gary would spend hours by the pond watching birds, squirrels and other wildlife that would come around.  He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.  When Gary had to be inside you would often find him watching basketball. He was a master at playing Washers and had won several trophies.

Gary worked at the Olney Shoe Factory until it shut down and then worked at Champion Labs in Albion until his retirement.

Gary is survived by his daughter Sheryl Baker of Olney, Illinois
son James Dean (Crystal) Tarpley of Parkersburg, Illinois
Grandchildren Ross Tarpley, Heather (Shayne) Cosner, Tyler (Taylor) Tarpley, Sheree Campbell
and several great-grandchildren

Gary was preceded in death by his wife Rita, parents James and Ruby Tarpley,
brother James Richard Tarpley, granddaughter Shannon Cessna
and son-in-law Eddy Baker