C.W. Tarter

C. W. Bill Tarter
Bill Tarter, 80, passed away on Thursday January 27, 2011 at a local hospital. A memorial service will be held on Monday January 31, 2011 at 10: 00 AM. at First United Methodist Church in Roswell. Rev. Gorton Smith and Rev. Archie Echols will officiate.
Bill was a loving husband, special big brother, adoring dad, and a Pappa that will forever be in the hearts of his grandchildren. He was a wonderful uncle and fatherinlaw who had a way of making you feel like a special part of the family. We will miss his unique humor and witty remarks, such as Pardon me while I roll my eyes. As soon as he met someone, it wasnt long before he gave them a quirky nickname. He could often be seen on the tennis courts, riding his bicycle, or walking his beloved dog, Daisy the little dip.
Bill was born on November 12, 1930 in Snyder, Texas to C. W. and Roy Carmichael Tarter. He married Mary Beth Morgan in Big Spring, Texas on September 1, 1950.
Bill was a graduate of McMurry College in Abilene, TX and later received his Masters degree from ENMU in Portales. He served in the U. S. Coast Guard for four years. Bill was an educator spending most of his time at New Mexico Military Institute, where he was the swim coach, athletic director, taught physical education, bicycling, scuba diving, and kayaking. In his own words, the fun stuff. Bill touched and influenced numerous young peoples lives.many that have remained in touch through the years.
Bill was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow. He was a professional in Boy Scouting for 13 years, camp director at Wehinahpay, Aquatics Camp director in Carlsbad, director of the Buffalo Trails Scout Ranch in the Davis Mountains in Texas, and served on the National Jamboree Aquatics staff.
Bill was an active member of First United Methodist Church for 45 years. He was a past member of Kiwanis, Optimist Club, and a current member of the Roswell Elks Lodge 969. He served as past president of the NM Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. He volunteered at the Red Cross as a Water Safety Instructor. For several years he played tennis in the Senior Olympics.
In addition to his wife Mary Beth, Bill is survived by his sons Curt Tarter and his wife Sue of Roswell, Steve Tarter and his wife Dorothy of Roswell, daughter Tamara Fresquez and her husband Ken of Roswell, and grandchildren Tashina Lilley and her husband Tim of Midland, TX, Dylan Tarter and his wife Alex of Lubbock, TX, Alexandra Fresquez and Elizabeth Fresquez both of Roswell, and his sister Joan Wood and her husband Jerry of Abilene, TX.
Bill Tarter was an incredible human being and monumental figure in our lives. He will be sorely missed on this earth, but the stars will certainly shine brighter in the heavens above.

The family requests that donations be made to the Cowboy Bell Scholarship Fund through the First United Methodist Church 200 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Roswell, NM 88201.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com

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