Mr. Galen Tarter

Galen was born on Jan 22, 1929, in Halfway, OR to Alvin and Edith Tarter (Robertson).

Galen served in the U.S. Navy from 1947 to 1974. He retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer after serving in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

Galen married Marian Heath on May 24, 1949, in Halfway, OR. They were married 63 years before her death in 2012. They had 3 children Galen Dennis “Chuck” Tarter 1951 of Shady Cove, OR James Alvin Tarter 1955-2018 of Sacramento, Ca, and Gale Tarter Smith 1958 of Coos Bay, OR.

Galen took on a passion of helping children at a young age. He became a Shiner in 1962 where him and his wife Marian, were very involved with the children’s clinics. They also worked with their family on the Shriners East/West football game for several years. Galen became a part of the Elks organization in 1967.

Galen was a very driven man and has had many careers and hobbies. Before he left for the Navy he helped on the family ranch and sawmill in Halfway, OR. The ranch is still in the Tarter Family. After retiring from the Navy, he was in real estate, insurance, and managed the Medford Grange Co-op. He also became involved in the US Naval Sea Cadets and Job’s Daughters. He has his pilot’s license and at one point owned an Indian Motorcycle.

Galen was known by his family and friends as being tough and set in his ways but was always there when you needed him. Galen and his wife were great humans and unstoppable together. While his earthly family will miss him dearly it lifts our hearts that they will be back together again.

Galen is survived by his two children Chuck Tarter and Gale Smith. His nephews Paul Tarter, Rod Tarter, and Gary Tarter. His Grandchildren Shane Tarter of Sacramento, CA, Tina Meyer of Keizer, OR, Helene Norton of Coos Bay, OR and William Grissom of Coos Bay, OR.

He is preceded in death by his wife Marian Tarter, Son James Tarter, Granddaughter Gale Marie Norton, Parents Edith and Alvin Tarter and brother Dale Tarter.

Memorial Services will be held at Medford Masonic Lodge on March 24th at 1pm.

There will be a small gravesite gathering at the Halfway Cemetery Monday March 27 at 11am. Where he will join Marian in their final resting place.