Tommy Daniel Tarpley

Tommy Daniel Tarpley, 93, went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 19, 2026, in Amarillo.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, October 22, 2026, in the Panhandle Cemetery under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Panhandle.

Tommy was born on March 17, 1933, in Jacksboro, Texas to John Cecil Tarpley and Millie Lee West Tarpley. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Panhandle. Tommy married Helen Louise Russ on November 23, 1952, in Panhandle. He worked for the Texas State Highway Department prior to working for Carson County as a heavy equipment operator and road foreman for over 40 years. Tommy also farmed with Elton Vance, worked at the 6666 Ranch, and helped build the Big Texan restaurant. He enjoyed racing cars in Bowie, road trips to go gambling with the kids, and fishing. Tommy was your go to man when it was time to build something, he was always at the ready.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Millie Tarpley; wife, Helen Tarpley; three sisters; two brothers; and daughter-in-law, Terri Tarpley.

Survivors include sons, Tommy Tarpley, Jr. and wife Linda of Amarillo, Roy Tarpley of Panhandle, daughters, Pam Walker and husband Gary of Amarillo, Janet Wilson and husband John of Childress, Betty May and friend Troy of Kerrville; seven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and seven great- great grandchildren.