Stephen J Tarr, age 53, passed away February 3, 2025, in Denison, Texas. He was born on July 31, 1971, in Carbondale, Illinois, to his loving parents James E. Tarr and Mary Susan (Schmelter) Tarr.
Steve grew up in Carbondale, where he attended elementary and high school. He excelled at everything! Steve had remarkable resilience competing on the High School golf, wrestling, and baseball teams. As the Terriers’ Mascot, Steve’s energy and antics brought such infectious enthusiasm and fun to every game and rally, always delighting everyone who attended.
After high school graduation, Steve continued his studies at John A. Logan Community College, Southern Illinois University, and Weber State University in Utah. It was at a New Year’s Eve party while at John A. that Steve met the love of his life, Kimberly Woosley. They have been together ever since, sealing their love on their wedding day, August 22, 1992, in Murphysboro, Illinois.
Steve and Kim were blessed with three children: Logan, Olivia, and Jenna Beth. The family journeyed to Colorado, then Georgia, and finally to North Texas nine years ago for a job opportunity. Steve’s work as a Registered Radiologist Physician Assistant meant a lot to him. He loved helping others and made a big impact on the lives of many people.
Steve was a vibrant and adventurous person. He threw himself into everything with passion—whether it was making people laugh, enjoying the outdoors, or creating and fixing things around the house. He had the ability to tackle anything he set his mind to. Without a doubt, Steve made a huge impact on everyone around him. But his greatest joy was in the company of his cherished family and friends where he found true happiness and fulfillment.
Steve is survived by his wife, Kim, of Anna, Texas; son, Logan James Tarr, also of Anna, Texas; daughters, Olivia Alexandra Tarr of Denton, Texas, and Jenna Elizabeth Tarr, of Anna, Texas; father, James Tarr, of Carbondale, Illinois; sisters, Bridget Gallagher (Dave), of Pleasant Plain, Ohio, and Christine Brown (Terry), of North Aurora, Illinois; brother, Daniel Tarr, of Dallas, Texas; and numerous extended family members and friends, who will miss him dearly and forever cherish his memory.
Stephen was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Susan Tarr.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/steve-tarr. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.
The family will receive guests during a visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Funeral Home.