Truman J. Tarlton passed away in his sleep on January 27, 2020. A long-time resident of Houston, Texas and southern California before that, Truman died as a resident of Tyler from Leukemia. He retired there in 2005. This was close to his birthplace of Mabank, Texas, where he was born to Joe and Addie Tarlton.
Wanting to help with the war effort, Truman quit school and joined the U.S. Navy in March, 1945 at the age of 17. He was a Seaman 1st Class and was discharged in July, 1946 after an injury. Then, he joined the Army Air Corps from June, 1948 to June, 1949. After this he went back to finish high school and graduated at the age of 22. Truman was an avid track runner in school.
He enjoyed mechanics as his life long passion and racing for a major part of his life. He broke speed records at different race tracks in California and collected trophies. Besides all things cars, he loved his family and friends.
Survivors include his children Leslie Tarlton, Lee Brasfield, Mike Coatney, and Susan Wade, and their spouses; grandchildren Michael, Steven, Elizabeth, Daniel, and Andrew Tarlton, Erin Hernandez, Tyler Coatney, Laura Coatney, Bren Ready, Sarah Torres, and Diana Wade. He is preceded in death by his sons Philip Rhodes and Kyle Tarlton.
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