Charles William Tarver

Charles William Tarver, 83, of Silsbee passed away Tuesday July 8, 2025. He was born on Wednesday January 28, 1942, in Silsbee to the late Grady and Lourie Tarver.

Charles was a lifelong resident in Silsbee. After graduating high school in 1960 he would go on to attend Sam Houston State University studying Criminology. Charles also served in the U.S National Guard, 71 st Airborne for seven years, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and was stationed at Fort Hauchuca, Arizona.

He joined the Silsbee Noon Lions Club in October of 1976, where he dedicated 49 years of service. He served several terms as President, was a member of the Board of Directors, and for 10 years was Chair of the Toy Drive, also serving 5 years as Tail Twister. He was a Chair member for 15 years, and a Lions Tamer for 5. Charles was also a member of the Silsbee Chamber of Commerce, working within the Chamber for over 26 years and was chair of their Pancake Breakfast. He also worked with MHMR Breakfast for 10 years.

While serving the Lions Club, he was the Vice District Governor in 2008-2009; District Governor in 2009-2010; Past District Governor from 2011-2025; Texas Lions Camp, Kerrville, Tx .Director 2 years. He worked with the Leo Clubs for over 25 years. In 2023, he joined the Beaumont Breakfast Lions Club as a Life Member. He also played a role in the creation of the district 2-S1 Eyeglass Vision Screening Program and held the position of Chairman for many years.

Charles was awarded, International Presidents Medal for Leadership (2), Jack Weich Fellow, and Century Club Member of Texas Lions Camp. The Silsbee Chamber awarded him Citizen of the Year in 2014. He also received the Silsbee Chamber Service Award in 2015.

Charles retired from Gulf/Chevron as a Senior Lab Tech, and Shift Leader after 38 years. He was a member of Pinecrest Baptist Church. He enjoyed spending his time keeping his homestead looking nice, hunting, and having his friends and family come over to fish in his pond. Charles had a Servant’s heart. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone. If someone had a need, he would make it his mission to help. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend; he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his wife Marie Walters Tarver, and both parents.

Survived by daughter, Lisa Kethley and husband Jef; grandchildren, Jerit Kethley and Jillian Kethley; brothers Carl “Bo” Tarver, and Claude Tarver and wife Karon; sister Candace Loftin and husband Ronnie; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other family members and friends

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, Tx. lionscamp.com

https://lionscamp.com/donations.html#

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