Michael Thornton Tarver

Michael T. Tarver, the oldest son of Eugene Tarver and Florence (Tarver) Robinson, was born on January 8, 1960 in Charleston, Missouri. He was the second oldest of seven children, four boys and three girls. His parents, one sister Patricia Chisem and one brother Edwin Tarver preceded him in death.

Michael was raised in Charleston and attended Charleston High School, graduating in 1978. While attending school and after graduation, you could find him hanging out with his best friends Alvin Mitchell and Wayne Riggins. At an early age Michael was baptized and attended Perry Chapel A.M.E. Church.

During his lifetime Michael worked various jobs, which consisted of Del Farm and Starks Manufacturing before joining the Charleston Public Safety (CPS) on December 1, 1985 as the local dog catcher. While employed with CPS he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and lieutenant. He ended his time with CPS on October 23, 2007 but would eventually join the Mississippi County Sheriff's Department on November 27, 2007 as a deputy. He remained at the sheriff's department until he retired on October 23, 2013. Michael served his community as a police officer, a sergeant, a fire/ police lieutenant and a deputy. Michael continued to serve his community outside of law enforcement. At the age of 18, he joined the Banner Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the 10 Tall One's. And in recent years he was an active member with the Most Merciful Lodge.

Michael was loved by everyone that came in contact with him. This was evident when he met and fell in love with Bessie Townsend. On April 23, 2001 they were wed and remained together until his death. If you knew Michael then you knew he loved watching WWE Wrestling Gunsmoke, M.A.S.H., the Chicago Cubs and the Kansas City Chiefs. You also could catch him at the Casey's playing his numbers. His additional hobbies were working in his puzzle books, eating his snacks and talking about his nieces, nephews and grandchildren, particularly Rodriqus "WooWoo" Robinson.

On Sunday, March 23, 2025 while a patient at Mercy Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, God sent an angel and called Michael home. At the time of his passing Michael was 65 years, two months and fifteen days old.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Bessie Tarver of Charleston, Missouri, two sons, Santago Townsend of Charleston, Missouri and Rodney Townsend of Maryland Heights, Missouri, two brothers, Kenneth (Pomonica) Tarver and Frederick (Demetrice) Tarver both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, two sisters, Carla Tarver and Shelondia R. Tarver both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and a host aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends.

Friends may call Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 12:00 noon until the funeral hour of 1:00 P.M. at Perry Chapel A.M.E. Church in Charleston with Pastor Carolyn Kent officiating and Pastor Juliet Kent-Hemphill eulogizing. Interment will immediately follow services in Oak Grove Cemetery in Charleston with the Williams Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.