Tehachapi Public Cemetery District

© Tehachapi News
Monday, 22 October 2007

Orail "OV" Virgil Tarkington
1918 - 2007

Longtime resident, Orail Virgil Tarkington passed away on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007 in Tehachapi. He was 89 years old. A graveside service was held Friday, Oct. 20, 2007 at Tehachapi Public Cemetery ~ Westside. Brother Bill Underwood conducted the service.

OV was born in Damascus, Arkansas on May 18, 1918 to Arkansas natives Grunda Joe and Lola Jennie Tarkington.

He married Ramona Martinez and they spent 37 years together.

Music was OV's passion and he loved playing his guitar at church ~ he only sang for the Lord.

He liked to fish, particularly at his favorite fishing hole in Needles on the Colorado River. He liked to hunt pheasant in El Centro, California and he had a great love for his cocker spaniel "Princess".

Mr. Tarkington is survived by his wife, Ramona Tarkington; sons, Tom and Karen Tarkington of Oklahoma, Virgil Tarkington of Arkansas, Thomas Lee and Lisa Krueger of Nevada; daughters, Cathy and James Cross of Arizona and Wanda and Frank Lemus; sisters, Ofreda and Wesley Edmondson of Arkansas and Betty Jean and Dean Garrett of Louisiana; brother, Farris Tarkington; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Lola Tarkington; brother, Charles Tarkington and granddaughter, Kathy Tarkington.

Orail "OV" Virgil Tarkington, May 18, 1918 ~ Oct. 11, 2007