Donald Paul Tarr, Sr.

Donald Paul Tarr, Sr., 94, of Titusville, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at UPMC Hamot in Erie.

Don was born in Oil City on July 28, 1930, to the late Irvin and Mae Bradybaugh Tarr. He married Alice Millard Tarr on December 5, 1953, at Kaneville United Brethren Church. She preceded him in death on December 31, 2020.

He was a veteran and served proudly in the US Army 5th Regimental Combat Team during the Korean War. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal with One Bronze Star, and Distinguished Unit Citation. He entered the service on August 16, 1950, in Erie and was honorably discharged on August 15, 1953, at Fort George G. Meade with the rank of Sergeant.

Don worked as a truck driver for Manion Steel Barrell for 37 years, retiring in 1985.

Don and his wife Alice owned and operated Tarr's Country Store in Titusville for 39 years, Tarr's Purity Market in Oil City for two years, and farmed for over 40 years. Don was 87 years old when he retired from Tarr's Country Store.

Above all, Don's faith in Jesus Christ was central to his life, as was his wife, Alice, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. Don was a dedicated member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Franklin and previously an active participant in the East Troy Community Church in Titusville.

He is survived by the following children: Theresa Whitlow (Keith) of Greenville, Indiana, Sharon Strawbridge (Gregory) of Titusville, Donald Jr. (Patty) of Titusville, Gary Tarr (Carol) of Titusville, Christine Stewart (Keith) of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Judy Hawk (Edward) of Titusville, Cynthia Hamilton (Samuel) of Centerville, Naomi Wescoat of Titusville, Esther Smith (John) of Titusville, Matthew Tarr (Michelene) of Titusville, Julia Tarr of Warren, and Joanne Kilgore (Jeffrey) of Kingsport, Tennessee, daughter-in-law Sarah Tarr, 29 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren; a brother, James Tarr (Mary) of Oil City; a sister, Rose Wright of Pleasantville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Tarr; three sons-in-law, Daniel Wescoat, David Acel, and Richard Bodisch; and brothers, Norman, Arnold, Irvin, John, and Jack Tarr.

Visitation will be held at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home Inc., 303 N. Washington St. Titusville, on Monday, Jan. 20th, from 4 to 7 p.m. and again on Tuesday at the Titusville Wesleyan Church, 102 E. Spruce St. Titusville, from 10 to 11 a.m., at which time a funeral service will be conducted with Pastor Jonathan Bell officiating.

Full military honors will be observed.

A live stream of the service can be viewed on Don's tribute page at garrettfuneralhomeinc.com

Interment will be at Kerr Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Franklin Wesleyan Church Youth Program 1337 Buffalo St, Franklin, PA 16323.
 

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