Gary Lee Tarver

Gary Lee TarverGary Lee Tarver passed away unexpectedly at Campbell County Health in Gillette on Monday November 2, 2015 following a pulmonary embolism. Funeral services will be on Friday, November 6th at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church and interment will follow immediately at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette. Rev. Jerad C. Tucher will officiate. Viewing will be Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home at 410 Medical Arts Court. Gary was born on May 26, 1943 in Miles City, Montana. He was the second of two sons born to Lynn and Bernice (Robinson) Tarver. His love of animals and the outdoors were woven into the fabric of his life from the very beginning. His adventurous spirt was developed growing up on ranches north of Gillette and getting into mischief with his brother Bob. Gary attended elementary at Wildcat School. He attended eighth grade through high school in Gillette while boarding with Clara Music, Earl and Ethel Throne, and Delbert and Grace Brown. After graduating from Campbell County High School he pursued his passion for skiing while attending Sheridan College and the University of Wyoming. He went on to serve in the Air National Guard for six years.Gary met Donna Heinrich in Gillette and they were married on September, 1969 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They made their home at the Hunter Ranch on Olmstead Creek north of Gillette, Wyoming. Gary and Donna were blessed with their son Reuben in 1974. In 1981 Gary and Donna moved to Wildcat to continue ranching. In 1988, Gary made his final home at his ranch on Elk Creek where he continued to raise Angus cattle, Hancock horses, and mules. For the last seven years, Gary found true happiness with his loving companion Ruth Steffen.Early in life Gary was an avid and expert skier, he enjoyed roping, riding, camping, and packing horses and mules. His lifelong passions were horses and dancing. He enjoyed raising, training, and selling Hancock horses. Gary loved to dance; participating at local square dances and regularly attending senior dances. Gary served on the Wyoming Production Credit Association and was a longtime volunteer firefighter. While Gary enjoyed an active lifestyle, his son Reuben and his family were most important to Gary. He loved to attend family functions and his grandchildren's activities. Gary was a conservative ol' rancher who enjoyed simple living, took pride in his livestock, and cherished his family and friends.Survivors include his son Reuben (Jenny) Tarver; his grandchildren Ethan Tarver, Taylor Snowden, Devon Snowden, and Cooper Snowden; and his loving companion Ruth Steffen all of Gillette. He is also survived by his brother Bob (Nancy) Tarver of Gillette; nephews Robert (Michelle), and James (Jaime) of both Gillette, and Michael Tarver of Buffalo, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials may be made to the Gary Tarver Memorial Scholarship Fund. Memorials and Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the web at www.walkerfuneralgillette.comFuneral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716