Walter "Wally" William Tarkington
October 14, 1974 — January 6, 2026
Clinton
Walter ‘Wally” William Tarkington, loving husband and father, accomplished musician, talented chef, and everyone’s favorite smarty pants, died at home on January 6, 2026, in Clinton, OK.
Born October 14, 1974, in Dallas, TX to Donna Love and Dennis Tarkington, Wally spent much of his childhood traveling the country, attending auto races with his father and brother as well as performing with his mother in ice shows. He lived in several cities during this time, most notably Riverton, NJ and Birmingham, MI, ultimately finding himself in Oklahoma where he graduated from Norman High School in 1992.
Wally attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, where he majored in guitar performance. He met his bride Melinda at SWOSU band camp, and they married in 2003. Wally was a jack of all trades who possessed many skills and talents, but his favorite things to do were making music with his friends and cooking for people he loved. His favorite place to be was the garage where he spent hours tinkering with guitars and cars. Since 2020, he and Melinda have performed hundreds of songs during many live-stream events under the name “The Tarkingtones”, performances that can still be enjoyed on their Facebook page.
Wally was preceded in death by mother Donna, stepfather Marshell Love, and father-in-law David Snider. He is survived by his wife Melinda and children Lily and Ben of the home, father Dennis and stepmother Ann of Sanger, TX, brother and sister-in-law Wes and Aspen Tarkington, mother-in-law Beverly Snider, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Michael and Linda Snider, and nephews Jett and Raymond Tarkington and Seth Melton.
October 14, 1974 — January 6, 2026
Clinton
Walter ‘Wally” William Tarkington, loving husband and father, accomplished musician, talented chef, and everyone’s favorite smarty pants, died at home on January 6, 2026, in Clinton, OK.
Born October 14, 1974, in Dallas, TX to Donna Love and Dennis Tarkington, Wally spent much of his childhood traveling the country, attending auto races with his father and brother as well as performing with his mother in ice shows. He lived in several cities during this time, most notably Riverton, NJ and Birmingham, MI, ultimately finding himself in Oklahoma where he graduated from Norman High School in 1992.
Wally attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, where he majored in guitar performance. He met his bride Melinda at SWOSU band camp, and they married in 2003. Wally was a jack of all trades who possessed many skills and talents, but his favorite things to do were making music with his friends and cooking for people he loved. His favorite place to be was the garage where he spent hours tinkering with guitars and cars. Since 2020, he and Melinda have performed hundreds of songs during many live-stream events under the name “The Tarkingtones”, performances that can still be enjoyed on their Facebook page.
Wally was preceded in death by mother Donna, stepfather Marshell Love, and father-in-law David Snider. He is survived by his wife Melinda and children Lily and Ben of the home, father Dennis and stepmother Ann of Sanger, TX, brother and sister-in-law Wes and Aspen Tarkington, mother-in-law Beverly Snider, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Michael and Linda Snider, and nephews Jett and Raymond Tarkington and Seth Melton.
About Sweet Relief:
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing physical or mental health issues, disability, or age-related problems. Donations made in memory of Wally will support Sweet Relief's General Fund.
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing physical or mental health issues, disability, or age-related problems. Donations made in memory of Wally will support Sweet Relief's General Fund.
To donate online, click the DONATE button above, or send a check-
To donate by check:
Write check to:
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
Memo:
In Memory of Wally Tarkington- General Fund
Mail to:
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
2650 E Imperial Hwy. Ste 208
Brea, CA 92821-6135
If you wish to donate items, services or develop a fundraising event please contact us at [email protected] or call 949-215-9620
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity. Federal ID# 95-4443269
To donate by check:
Write check to:
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
Memo:
In Memory of Wally Tarkington- General Fund
Mail to:
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
2650 E Imperial Hwy. Ste 208
Brea, CA 92821-6135
If you wish to donate items, services or develop a fundraising event please contact us at [email protected] or call 949-215-9620
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity. Federal ID# 95-4443269
Our Mission
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing physical or mental health issues, disability, or age-related problems.
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing physical or mental health issues, disability, or age-related problems.
