Jack Tarter

December 2, 1924 - February 15, 2022

Jack Tarter, 97, died 15 February 2022 in Odessa, Texas with his niece at his side. Jack loved dogs, a pipe or a cigar, a serious game of cards or farkle (or any game of chance, for that matter), building and fixing things, breakfast sausage, and strong coffee. He was talkative and always in motion. He supported the Special Olympics, chaperoning participants to events for many years. He was a man of faith, a member of Faith Fellowship Church in Odessa, whose church community meant a great deal to him. Born 2 December 1924 in Denver, Colorado to Charles Roy Tarter and Thelma Bea Jackson Tarter, with twin Bill. Jack Tarter grew up in Dallas, Texas. Many summers were spent on his Grandmother Jackson's farm. Jack served in the US Air Force for twenty years, from World War II through the Vietnam Conflict. His duty stations included Guam; Athens, Greece; Albuquerque, NM; and Vietnam, with his final assignment at Offutt AFB (near Omaha, Nebraska). He married Melbadean "Deanie" Minnie Hohertz in June 1962. According to Jack, Deanie was the best thing that ever happened to him. After his military service, Jack and Deanie moved back to Texas. There, Jack had a variety of jobs, ending his work years with the Brownwood Unified School District facilities department. He and Deanie eventually moved to Odessa to be near family. Jack was pre-deceased by his wife, Deanie, and his brother, Bill Tarter. He is survived by nine nieces and nephews. Special thanks are due to Angie Baesa, who helped care for Jack in his later years with a sense of humor, patience, and a great deal of spunk. A visitation will be held on February 22, 2022 from 5-7 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on February 23, 2022, 10:00 AM at American Heritage Funeral Home; interment immediately following at American Heritage Cemetery.