Johnnie L Tarwater's Obituary
Johnnie Leon Tarwater was promoted to his heavenly home (log cabin) on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. He was born in Santa Monica, CA on August 3, 1943 to parents Mavis “Bill” Leon Tarwater and Helen Ruth Frederick Tarwater. The family soon moved to Oklahoma where Johnnie’s early years were spent in the cities of Ardmore and Norman before moving to Houston, Texas in 1957. Johnnie attended Jane Long Junior High and later graduated from Bellaire High School in 1961. Johnnie received training as a draftsman, and worked within the engineering/drafting industry for over 46 years before fully retiring in 2019.
Johnnie married the love of his life, Pamela Ann McDermott, on July 19, 1963 at Calvary Church in Houston, TX. They first met on a blind date while joining a church group trip to the beach. Their love story lasted 41 years before Pam’s passing in December of 2004. Johnnie and Pam had three children, Kelley Susanne, Lisa Renee, and Christopher Leon.
Johnnie was born again as a young boy in Oklahoma. From that day forward he was unwavering in his commitment to Jesus Christ, growing God’s Kingdom, and involvement within the local church. Johnnie served each of his home churches throughout the years in various ways including teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, serving on the church board, and involvement as a kitchen ministry volunteer. One of Johnnie’s greatest passions was mentoring the next generation of young men through the ministry of Royal Rangers, a ministry for boys focused on developing Christlike manhood through Bible study, outdoor adventures, and leadership skills. For over 30 years, Commander Tarwater served in leadership roles on a local, sectional, and district level, including South Texas District Commander from 1995-2004. He leaves a rich legacy of young men who were influenced by his exemplary leadership.
Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Helen Tarwater, his sister, Wyleta Tarwater, great grandson, Oliver Tarwater, and loving wife, Pam Tarwater. Johnnie is survived by his sister, Susie Hardy, his daughter and her husband, Kelley and Thomas Nash of Alvin, Texas, his daughter and her husband, Lisa and Dick Herman of San Marcos, Texas, his son and his wife, Chris and Loretta Tarwater of Houston, Texas. He was affectionately known as “Grand Paw” to his grandchildren Spencer Willert, Taylor Nash, Chelsea Nash, Colby Nash, Garrett Tarwater, Ian Tarwater, Emily Herman, and great grandsons, Sonny Willert, Justin Willert and Jaden Nash.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 4, at South Park Funeral Home of Pearland, TX. Family greeting is at 1pm with the service beginning at 2pm. A private family inurnment will be held separately.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Johnnie truly valued your friendship. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in honor of Commander Tarwater to South Texas Royal Rangers, 12111 Moon Harvest Ln, Cypress, TX 77433 or by visiting https://portal.stxroyalrangers.com.
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