Virgil Ray Tarlton

Virgil Ray Tarlton, 87, of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.  He was born on July 16, 1937 in Saline County to Virgil & Rachel (Gibbs) Tarlton.  On June 19, 1999, he married Brenda Jo (Robertson) Tarlton, who survives.

Ray finished his early education in a one room school in Rudement, IL and began working on their family farm at a young age due to his father's illness. Later he joined his father as a journeyman plumber.  He worked in the plumbing, heating and cooling, roofing and mining industries, but his love of the automobile always drew him back. For many years he operated his own autobody business. He was always fixing things, and would help people with their cars, often out of the goodness of his heart.  He and Brenda enjoyed traveling and participating in the Country Gospel Music Association having yearly camping trips, singing gigs and visits with their friends.  Ray was a member of Potter’s Way Church in Frisco, IL.  He enjoyed going to many revivals at all the area churches.  Ray loved spending time with his wife and his family. You could find him most mornings in his later years hanging out with friends at McDonalds.  His hard work and grit helped him succeed.

He is survived by his wife Brenda Tarlton of McLeansboro; son Mike (wife Robin) Tarlton of Marion, IL; three step-children: Andrea Adams of Mt. Vernon, IN, Idena (husband Nick) Browning of Mt. Vernon, IN, and Samantha Middendorf of McLeansboro; five grandchildren: Justin, Brandon, Andrew, Lauren and Noah; ten step grandchildren: Erika, Wyatt, Theron, Braiden, Oakley, Abram, Josiah, Isaac, Sadie, and Isaiah; eight great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; brother Herbert Tarlton of The Philippines; close family friend Brian Barker of Ewing, IL; and many nieces and nephews that he stayed in contact with over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, twin sister Kay Duncan, brother Johnny Tarlton, sisters Bonnie Duncan and Betty Gays, infant sister Alberta Sue Tarlton, and step son-in-law Del Adams.

A Memorial Service for Virgil Ray Tarlton will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with Pastor Trent Duncan officiating.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at noon at the funeral home on Saturday.

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