Melvin Ray Tarpley

Melvin Ray Tarpley, 83, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2016 in Weatherford, TX. Funeral Services: 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 22, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Lipan, Lipan, TX. Visitation: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, August 21, 2016 also at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to First Baptist Church of Lipan, Building Fund or Lipan Community Food Bank.
Melvin was born August 6, 1933 to Artie and Esther Tarpley in Gorman, TX; he was one of 14 children. He met Grace Evelyn Wyly through his sister and friends, they married in Selden, TX in 1953. Melvin was a General Machinist for Lockheed Martin. He joined First Baptist Church of Lipan in 1960, where he served as Deacon for many years. Family was very important to Melvin; he and his family loved to ride horses in Playdays, he loved camping and boating with friends and family. He loved working with his hands, being outdoors, and sharing that love with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, 6 siblings, and his wife of 61 years, Grace.
Survivors: children, Dwayne Tarpley and his wife Jo Ann, Evelyn McWilliams and her husband Garland, Leland Tarpley and his wife Trena; grandchildren, Chris Tarpley and his wife Bethany, Steve Tarpley and his wife Leeann, Shelly McWilliams, Christy McWilliams and Matt Caskey, Walker McWilliams and his wife Katelyn, Jennifer Lewis and her husband Chase, Phillip Tarpley and his wife Amanda; 14 great grandchildren; siblings, Belle White, Eva Leatherman, Francis Fussell, Bob Tarpley, Lorene Pitts, Fred Tarpley, David Tarpley; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.