Vincent Zachary Tapler

Vincent was born on January 6, 1926 in Allentown, Pennsylvania to Joseph and Mary Tapler, who were Austrian immigrants. He lived in Allentown until he was called to serve in WWII in the U.S., France and Germany. He was a demolition specialist, and his unit's German speaking interpreter in the war from 1944-1946, 99th Infantry Division, Company A, 324th Engineering.

He began his radio career on February 2, 1948 at WTPR in Paris, Tennessee after completing radio school in Chicago, IL under the GI Bill. He read news and general announcing until May 31, 1949. When he left WTPR, he began a long career on June 1, 1949 at WTJS AM-FM, Jackson, TN. He retired from WTJS in 1991. In 1991, he took a general announcing and supervisory position at WKBJ, Milan, TN. He left there in 1994. From 1994-1997 he conducted public service interviews and played Christian Music. In 1997, he retired completely from radio broadcasting.

He was active in his church, St. Mary's Catholic Church, for many years as a sacristan and lector.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Jane Tapler in 2020 and a brother, Otto Tapler in 1992.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Leslie Tapler DeFoor of Jackson; grandson, James Zachary DeFoor (Rachael) of Jackson; and great grandsons, Silas James DeFoor and Finan Jasper DeFoor of Jackson;

The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be on Monday, October 31, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Fr. David Graham, Pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Tapler family.