Donald Leroy "Don" Tarver of Jena, Louisiana age 91 was received into Heaven on February 21, 2022. He was born June 12, 1930 in Chatham, LA to Virgil Tarver, Sr. and Marie (Branch) Tarver, who preceded him in death along with brothers V.L. Tarver, Jr., J.C. Tarver and his sister Audrey (Tarver) Miles.

Those left to love and miss him are his lovely wife of 61 years, Virginia (John) Tarver, sons Steven Tarver of Shreveport, LA and Wes Tarver also of Shreveport, his wife Terry and grandsons Alex Tarver and Ethan Tarver, Corporal USMC. Brother David Tarver and wife Becky of Farragut, TN.  And many other nephews, nieces, family and friends that he loved and cherished dearly.  He never met a stranger and welcomed all with his infectious smile and laugh.

Don was a 1947 graduate of Jena High School and attended NJC of LSU in Monroe for two years and LSU in Baton Rouge for one and a half years before joining the United States Air Force for a career of 24 years achieving the rank of full Major.  He became a pilot and was most proud of his 100 mission tour in North Vietnam flying the famous F-105 Thunderchief fighter jet as a Top Gun pilot and squadron leader.  Another proud moment for him was flying his friend, astronaut Neil Armstrong, through a tour of Europe in the new Sabreliner Lear Jet as they motivated the young pilots and squadrons.

After retiring from the USAF, he became a corporate pilot for several companies including Justiss-Mears Oil Co. of Jena which brought him back to his beloved hometown.  When his flying days were over he enjoyed writing for the Jena Times in the sports department covering his other loves the Jena Giants and LSU Fightin' Tigers.  He liked to say, "It's always a good day when the Tigers play!" You could usually find him at the LaSalle Golf & Country Club playing golf and hanging out with all of his pals, enjoying their company and good times.

Funeral Service will be held with Military Honors on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 12:00PM in the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville, Louisiana.

The family would especially like to thank the staff of the VA Medical and Nursing Center in Pineville, LA for the care he received in the Alzheimer and Pallative Care Units.