Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Friday, November 6th, 2026.
Beloved husband of Mary Jo Tarvin (nee Heilwagen); devoted father of Noel (Rusty) Tillman, Tom Tarvin, Adam (Erika) Tarvin, Nick (Wendi) Tarvin, and Sarah (Scott) Tarvin-Brown; adoring grandfather of Stephanie (Lindsay) Tillman, Dominic Tarvin-Brown, Haven Tarvin, Donovan Tarvin-Brown, Harper Tarvin, Reed Tarvin, and the late Joshua Tillman; cherished great grandfather of Kaitlin Tillman; dearest son of the late Clyde and Dollie Tarvin; loving brother of Barbara Diehl, Jerry Tarvin, and the late Bob Tarvin, Jean Storm, Doreen Kearney, Art Tarvin, and David Tarvin; our dear uncle, great uncle, step-grandpa, brother-in-law, cousin, and friend to many.
Lee was born in Pana, IL and spent his childhood in the Chicago suburb of Maywood, IL. After graduating from high school, Lee enlisted in the US Army sowing the seeds of his love of travel and adventure. After tours in southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and Europe, Lee eventually settled in Indianapolis, IN where he began his second career as an attorney after retiring with distinction from the US Army in 1982. Lee spent more than 25 years praticing law in Indianapolis before retiring a second time to pursue his passion as a volunteer for the US National Park Service before retiring for the third & final time in 2016. A voracious reader, lover of nature and our national park system and incredible chef; Lee spent his final decade traveling, enjoying family and friends, and camping.
In lieu of flowers, contributions made to Zion Forever Project are greatly appreciated.
SERVICES: Visitation will be held at Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church (6737 S. Rock Hill Rd., 63123) on Thursday, November 12th, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with the funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 AM. Inurnment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery will be held privately.