Joseph Preston Tarver, "Jake, J.P., Joe, or Papa Joe", 91, of Sulphur, Louisiana, passed from this life on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Jake was born on Monday, January 22, 1934, in Jena, Louisiana, to the union of Alfres Abraham Tarver and Mary Armenda Fairbanks Tarver.

A proud patriot, Jake honorably served his country as a Marine during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Buck Sergeant. His dedication and leadership extended beyond his military service into a successful career in the railcar industry. He retired from Himont, where he was Master of the North American Railcar Fleet.

Jake was a man of many talents and interests. He was an active member of Toastmasters and dedicated years of service as a Cub Master and Scout Master in Maplewood. He was the chief cook and legendary storyteller at Champion Creek, San Angelo Hunting Lease in West Texas.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Nancy Dalbey Tarver, his parents, and his brother, John Tarver.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Paula "Dennie" and Glenn Guilbeau; sons, Scott and Tess Tarver and Cass and Paula Tarver; grandchildren, Michelle and Eric Lopez, Chris and  Amanda Tarver, Danielle and Ken Alexander, Laura LeBlanc, Joseph and GeAnn Tarver, A.J. and Lisa LeBlanc, Jacob and Meagan Tarver, and John and Korie LeBlanc; great-grandchildren, Brennan and Brooke, Adam, Lizzy, Landon and Sierra, Derek, Noah, Omar, Silas, Emma, Skylar, Blair, Blyth, Jameson, Rowen, Savannah, Hazel, Joseph III, and one yet to be announced; great-great-grandchildren Brecken, Briggs, and one more yet to be announced.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home in Jena, Louisiana. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 PM Belah Cemetery in Trout, Louisiana.