Obituary: Bobby “Bob” Tarver

June 11, 1940 – May 13, 2026

Funeral service for Bob Tarver will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Family Life Church with Chaplain Gordon Harper officiating; interment to follow at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery with Military Honors provided by American Legion Post # 42 Honor Guard. Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Gillette Memorial Chapel.
Bobby “Bob” Lynn Tarver passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of family, ranching, horsemanship, public service, and dedication to the western way of life. Bob was born to Lynn Denton Tarver and Bernice Irma (Robinson) Tarver and was the older of two boys. His roots ran deep in Campbell County, where the Tarver family history stretches back generations to when his grandfather moved from Georgia and homesteaded the area now known as the Tarver Addition in northwest Gillette.
Bob grew up on ranches across northeastern Wyoming and southeastern Montana. In 1946, when he was six years old, his family moved from Pilgrim Creek, south of Broadus, Montana, to the Flint Ranch on the Little Powder River, north of Gillette, where his father began managing cattle and building his own herd. A few years later, the family moved to the Gillstrap Place on Wildcat Creek, where he and his brother, Gary, attended the one-room schoolhouse. At age 16, Bob’s family moved their cattle herd 30 miles to Olmstead Creek after his father leased a larger ranch from Albert Hunter, beginning a partnership between the Hunter and Tarver families that would span nearly 70 years. Bob attended Campbell County High School, where he participated in rodeo and graduated in 1958.
Bob continued his education at Colorado State University, arriving with little more than determination and grit. True to his nature, he found a way to succeed both academically and in rodeo. In 1962, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, then served in the Army and returned home in 1964 to pursue his lifelong passion for ranching.
Bob worked alongside his father and brother, Gary, on the Hunter Ranch, raising sheep and cattle until his father’s untimely passing in 1968. Bob and Gary then carried on the ranching operation while also acquiring the Elk Creek place. In 1966, Bob helped lead the purchase of the Parks Ranch with 17 other local producers, forming the Trail Creek Grazing Association, where he proudly served for many years as president, then secretary/treasurer.
Bob was blessed with his son Michael Tarver in 1969 from his first marriage. In 1973, he married the love of his life, Nancy Anne Espy. They welcomed sons Robert in 1974 and James in 1976 and spent decades building a ranching operation and raising their family in Campbell County.
In 1977, Bob’s life changed forever when the plane he and his brother were flying crashed, leaving him with a broken back. At only 37 years old, he faced tremendous adversity with unwavering toughness and determination. After months of rehabilitation at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital, Bob walked out on crutches that would remain part of his life, refusing to let the accident keep him from ranching and living fully.
Bob loved all things horses, rodeo, and roping. When he could no longer compete with himself, he found joy in teaching his boys to rope, spending time with friends at steer ropings, and attending the National Finals Rodeo with family and friends.
Beyond ranching, Bob was deeply committed to public service and improving life in Campbell County. He served as a Campbell County Commissioner from 1978 to 1986, during which time he helped promote the construction of the Campbell County Public Library, Recreation Center, Senior Center, Child Care Center, and Public Health Building, and one of his most proud accomplishments — the creation of the CAM-PLEX.
Bob also served on the Farmers’ Cooperative Board and the Powder River Energy Corporation Board. Yet despite his many accomplishments, Bob’s greatest pride and most important work was always his family. He treasured everyday ranch life and especially loved supporting his children and grandchildren in sports, rodeo, school events, and all of life’s milestones.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Lynn Denton Tarver and Bernice Irma (Robinson) Tarver; his brother, Gary Tarver; and his mother-in-law, Nancy Espy.
He is survived by his loving wife of more than 50 years, Nancy Anne (Espy) Tarver; his sons Michael (Heidi), Robert (Michelle), and James (Jaime); his grandchildren Connor (Angel) Serano, Michael (Abby), Carter, Tayler (Faith), Wyatt (Tavee), Hayden, Whitney, and William; five great-grandchildren; his nephew Reuben (Jenny); and his father-in-law Jim Espy, brother in-laws Jim (Kym) and Hugh (Holly), sisters-in-laws Cam Emmons and Katy (Harry) Stevenson.
Bob had a remarkable gift for connecting with people. He will be remembered for his kind heart, warm smile, strong hugs, and unforgettable handshakes that made everyone he met feel valued and special.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to benefit Sheridan VA CD-CE (Community Development & Civic Engagement) 1898 Fort Road, Sheridan, WY, 82801 or NEW Community Health Foundation 1901 Energy Ct., Suite 265, Gillette, WY 82718. Memorials and condolences may also be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also expressed at http://www.gillettememorialchapel.com