Erma Lee Tarkington

Erma Lee Tarkington, 89, of Warner, Oklahoma passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2017. She was born November 1, 1927 to William “Buck” and Eliza (Purdom) Rains in McLain, Oklahoma. She grew up attending Warner Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1944. On April 18, 1945, Erma married the love of her life, John M. “Jake” Tarkington. They celebrated over 49 years of happy marriage and life together. They worked side by side, owning their own motel and furniture store. She later retired from the tag agency so she could care for Jake when he became ill. She enjoyed many hobbies such as fishing, cooking, and playing dominoes and cards. Erma especially loved spending time with her family. She was of the Baptist faith and a longtime member of Warner First Baptist Church. Erma was preceded in death by her husband John M. “Jake” Tarkington; son, Phillip W. Tarkington; parents, William “Buck” and Eliza (Purdom) Rains; sisters, Marie Revell, Evelyn Blankenship Smith, and Sue Overbey; and brother, Bill Rains. She is survived by her sons, Anthony “Lucky” Tarkington (Lorri) of Warner, OK, and Johnie Tarkington and wife Paula of Muskogee, OK; granddaughters, Tammy Longcrier and husband Matt of Muskogee, OK, Michelle Tarkington (David) of Oktaha, OK, Christy Tarkington of Sapulpa, OK, Andrea Mann and husband Joe of Houston, TX, Amanda Allen and husband Josh of Owasso, OK; grandson, Jess Watson and wife Amanda of Warner, OK; granddaughter, Sarah Stewart and husband Robert of Muskogee, OK; sister-in-law, Margie Rains; along with 19 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and many friends who will miss her dearly. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Angie Speaks and the staff at Countryside Estates, and also to Crystal Reneua, Tara Moore, Shelly Upton, and Jodi Greenleaf with Compassus Hospice for their love and care for Erma. A celebration of Erma’s life will be 2:00 P.M., Thursday, June 29, 2017 at Warner First Baptist Church with Rev. Cardell Coppin officiating assisted by Pastor Sam Dunn. Interment will be at Warner Memorial Cemetery with grandsons and family serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Gardner, Dick Goss, Bob Keene, Jerry Hiseley, Charlie McGrew, Dale Whitby, and Leo Smithson.

Erma Lee Tarkington

November 1, 1927 - June 24, 2017