Walter Tarbox Jr. Obituary

Walter H. Tarbox, Jr.

May 22, 1939 – December 4, 2023

The land of old farmers has lost a dedicated soul on December 4, 2023. Working on the chores of his small farm until nearly his last breath, he surprised his family with a quick exit.

Walter Tarbox, Jr. was born on May 22, 1939 to Muriel (House) Tarbox and Walter Tarbox, Sr. He joined 3 brothers and one sister. At a young age, Walter went to live with his sister and her 3 daughters, Janice, Judy and Joan, when his mother passed away.

Walter was active in FFA (he was FFA State Secretary his Senior year), on the student council, played basketball and graduated with honors from Orleans High School in 1957.

On January 27, 1962 Walter married Lorraine Beauregard. They had 3 wonderful children, Jeffrey, Julie and Peter. They were later graced with 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Walter took over the family farm when he was 16 years old and he remained a farmer for his entire life.

 Walter loved animals and being outside in his fields, the woods, or down by the river. He loved to watch and feed the birds. He was an avid gardener and loved to fish and hunt. Walter was a trapper and a true outdoors man. He was a collector of old books, antiques and many other things. Walter looked forward to going to yard sales and finding “treasures”. One of this favorite pastimes was volunteering at “Mildred’s Barnyard” at Orleans County Fair, in remembrance of Mildred Nault. He enjoyed learning about his family history and attending family reunions. 

Besides being a dairy farmer and raising beef cattle, Walter worked for DHIA for 35 years. He loved going to other farms and made many, many lifelong friends.

Walter was a dedicated husband and father. He worked hard to provide for his family and will be greatly missed.

Walter is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lorraine (Beauregard) Tarbox, and by his children Jeffrey Tarbox, Julie Chase, and Peter Tarbox and spouse Carmen (Fortin)Tarbox; his grandchildren Jessi (Eddy) Staples, Joseph Bickford, James Bickford, Brittany Tarbox(Clayton), Jericho Densmore, Crystal Tarbox(Andrew) and Cassie (Dan) Johnstone. He is also survived by 13 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father Walter Tarbox, Sr., his mother Muriel (House) Tarbox, his sister Arlene (George) Cummings, his brothers Milton Tarbox, Carlton (Gertrude) Tarbox and Neal (Daisy) Tarbox.

Services will be held on December 17, 2023 at the Newport Church of God. Calling hours will be at the church from 1:00-2:00 and the service will begin at 2:00. Light refreshments will follow.