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John Reed Tarver, 82, died suddenly on April 21, 2014 at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was the son of G. F. and Lena Tarver and was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He graduated from high school in Goldonna, Louisiana, after which he served in the Air Force during the Korean War in the missile program at Cape Canaveral, Florida. He then attended Louisiana State University where he graduated with a degree in Journalism. He worked at various newspapers in Louisiana and eventually became involved in politics. He served under Governor John McKeithen as director of the Louisiana Tourist Commission and then worked for United States Congressman Speedy O. Long as a legislative assistant. Thereafter, he returned to academics, earning his Masters in History from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches and his Ph.D. in History from LSU. He worked for many years at LSU's Ag Center in the editorial department and as the Ag Center's Historian. John was known as a talented writer, historian, and political consultant. He was particularly proud of his grandsons Reed and Paul with whom he enjoyed spending time on the family farm in North Louisiana. He is survived by his wife, Annis Dowden Tarver, his sister Elizabeth Thornton, his daughter Elizabeth Landry, his son-in-law Robert B. Landry, III and his grandsons Reed and Paul Landry. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son John M. Tarver, and his brothers, Floyd, Donald, and Milton Tarver. Memorial donations in his name may be made to Louisiana Trails, P.O. Box 176, Goldonna, Louisiana 71031, a non-profit dedicated to enriching the outdoor opportunities for residents of John's native North Louisiana. A memorial service will be held at a later date at John's family cemetery in North Louisiana.
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5 Entries
Annis, so sorry to hear of John Reeds passing. I always liked him. Love to you and your daughter.
Rachel Cuevas
April 28, 2014
Annis and Elizabeth, Please know you have my deepest sympathy. I learned much about writing and history from John when I was his secretary in Knapp Hall, LSU. He was always encouraging to me as I worked on my degree. May God bless you with good memories as you mourn.
Ashley Ann LaBorde
April 28, 2014
Grief is so hard to bear but we all cope by sharing the memories we have with our loved ones. I knew John from the day Mr.Tarver came to be our principal at the school in Goldonna and of course brought his lovely family with him. John, Donald and Elizabeth became my forever friends. May God bless all of you in these trying times. Doris Reed Warner
Doris Reed Warner
April 24, 2014
We send our sympathy to the Tarver Family in this time of loss. John was a fine man who loved the history or our area and of all Louisiana. We ask the Lord to give you peace and comfort. Blessings. Rev. Rickey and Patsy Roberson Peason La.
April 24, 2014
Dear Annis - I am so sorry to hear of the passing of John. It was so wonderful to visit with both of you last fall. My prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Terry Kile
April 23, 2014
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