BELLS - On March 8, 2003 at 6:10 a.m., the Lord called his faithful servant Robert Noel Tarpley home to be with Him after
a lengthy illness.
Funeral services were held at the First Methodist Church in Bells on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 with Rev. Joan Humphries
of the church officiating.
Bob served as a Navy Seabee during World War II in Okinawa and Japan.  After the war he returned to Sherman where he immediately began working for Mrs. Tucker's which later became Anderson Clayton and is now Kraft.  He worked for
42-1/2 years as a master mechanic, retiring in 1989.
He was a member of the Bells United Methodist Church for over 50 years, a member of the Woodman of the World fraternal organization and a charter member of both the Bells Fire Department and Lion's Club.
Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Josephine Pointer, as they wed on December 27, 1947.
He is also survived by his children, Elaine Tarpley Cowart and husband, Bill, of Sherman; and David Tarpley and wife, Jean, of Vancleave, Mississippi; sister, Faye Looney of Howe; 6 grandchildren, Brandon Cowart and wife, Sondra, of Sherman; Stephen Tarpley of Grand Prairie; Selina Tarpley Mendoza and husband, Daryl, of Ft. Worth; Kristie Tarpley Bigham and husband, Stephen, of Grand Prairie; and Jason Tarpley of Vancleave, Mississippi; 3 great-grandchildren, Shelby Rose Cowart, Kyle Willmond and Che' Farmer.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Richard Cowart and his parents, Raymond and Gladys Suitor Tarpley.
Military graveside services were held at Rose Hill Cemetery at which Daryle Mendoza performed a military honor guard service and presented Josie with the American Flag to honor Bob's service to his county.
Memorials can be made to the DaVita Dialysis Center, 205 W. Lamberth Rd. Sherman, Texas 75090.  [March 13, 2003]


The Herald Democrat
September 5, 2011

On September 3, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. Josie Tarpley left this earth for her new home in Heaven. Josie was born January 15, 1932 in Bells, Texas to Lonnie and Mattie Byrd Pointer. She married Robert Noel Tarpley, her soul mate for 55 years, December 27, 1947 in Bells.
Josie graduated from Bells High School and was a lay speaker and member of Bells United Methodist Church and a member of United Methodist Women for over 60 years. Josie was well known in the community for her paintings, her wedding cake decorating, crafts and arts, quilting, dogs and parakeets she raised.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Janie Cowart, grandson Richard Cowart and son Billy Raymond Tarpley.
Survivors include her daughter Elaine Cowart and her husband, Bill; son David Tarpley and his wife, Jean; sister Mary Bell Hopper; brothers Willie Pointer and his wife, Jackie; and Robert Pointer and his wife. Dee; grandchildren Brandon Cowart, Stephen Tarpley, Selina Tarpley, Kristie Bluhm and Jason Tarpley; 9 great-grandchildren; and many friends and great extended family.
Funeral services were 2 p.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at Bells United Methodist Church, Rev. Steve Martinez officiating. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Mullican-Little Funeral Home in Bells/Savoy, Texas.