THE VILLAGES, Florida —Harold “Max” Tarlton, 88, passed away Oct. 31, 2026, in Woodstock, Georgia. He was born Sept. 25, 1938, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the son of Harold and Ila “Maxine” (Walters) Tarlton. Max graduated from Hoisington High School in 1956 and later received his master’s in education from Fort Hays Kansas State College. He proudly served his country as an airman 1st Class in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965.
On April 17, 1961, he married Patricia Crotinger in Pawnee County, Kansas, they were blessed with two sons, Barry and Kris. They lived in Hoisington where Max worked for First Kansas Bank for a time and later Sunflower Diversified Services. Max also spent many evenings officiating for volleyball, football, basketball, and softball at both the high school and college levels. They later divorced and he then moved to Kenesaw Georgia in 1988, where he owned and operated Radiator Works, two automotive repair services, in Marietta and Powder Springs, Georgia. On April 29, 1995, he married Ruth Wright in Marietta Georgia and with this marriage he gained a stepdaughter, Mary. After retirement they moved to The Villages, Florida, where Max could partake in golf year-round and ride his golf cart everywhere.
Max’s family fondly remembers their yearly family tradition of trips to Kiawah Island, where all the family would gather and he was sure to lead the meal prayers. He cherished his family and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, siblings, and nieces and nephews. They also remember his love of sports, competitive sports of all kinds, never picking a favorite just always appreciating a good game. He was strong in his faith and active in the Methodist Church wherever he lived and enjoyed singing in the choir. Max loved family and friends. One of Max’s most impactful accomplishments was his involvement as a Stephen minister.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Ruth Tarlton of Altamonte Springs, Florida; sons, Barry Max Tarlton and wife Debbie of Woodstock, Georgia, Kris Tarlton and wife Sara of Hoisington; stepdaughter, Mary Durkin and husband Tim of Longwood, Florida; grandchildren, Macy Tarlton and Luke Tarlton and wife Marie all of Woodstock, Georgia, Kamden and Brynn Tarlton both of Hoisington, David Durkin of Dallas, Texas, and Patrick Durkin and wife Charlotte of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and two great grandchildren on the way; four siblings, Ron Tarlton and wife Deanna of Wimauma, Florida, Suzanne McAlexander and husband K.C. of Huntingtown, Maryland, Mark Tarlton and wife Grace of Fox Island, Washington, and Brad Tarlton of Wichita; two nieces and twelve nephews, and four great nieces and three great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and loving stepmother, Mary Tarlton.
Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at the funeral home.
Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Ron Bailey presiding and livestreaming available at www.nicholsonrickefh.net. Inurnment will follow in Hoisington Cemetery with military honors conducted by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to Rules & Officiating Class of Hoisington High School, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 7, 2026
