Dr. Kirby Tarry M.D.

Dr. Kirby Tarry, M.D., passed on beyond this earthly life, on April 16, 2012, under the watchful care of his family. He was born in Lovington, New Mexico, the son of L.S. Tarry and Beatrice Haralson Tarry. His extended family included many Baptist ministers, and his mother was an organist, not only for her local congregation, but also for many other churches, to which she would travel, accompanied by her children. Although Kirby did not play the organ, as did his sisters, Ruby and Frances, he nonetheless developed a lifelong interest in service and travel from this experience. During his high school years, he developed exceptional motivation and direction, for which he credits the Boy Scouts and the nationwide interest in science and mathematical education caused by the launch of Sputnik. He was a hardworking student, attained the rank of Eagle Scout, and won a statewide contest for his Boy Scout soil conservation project; all of these experiences furthered his confidence to achieve success. He attended college to study the sciences: first Engineering, then Biology and Mathematics, and eventually Medicine, in which he earned his degree. Dr. Tarry honorably served his country in the armed services for four years, including working as a surgeon in Vietnam, earning both a Bronze Star for meritorious service and the Army Commendation Medal. His proud family moved among many Army bases during this time and were rewarded in their hopes for his safe return. As a civilian, Dr. Tarry earned renown as a devoted physician for more than thirty years in Columbus, IN; Midland, TX; and Kerrville, TX. His children often heard heartfelt testimonials from his patients about his dedication and compassion in his work. Because of this powerful example of the doctor-patient relationship that he demonstrated, he was a great role model in Medicine. His daughter, Anne, could think of no other career that seemed as rewarding as Medicine; his son, Roland, when marrying, did not hesitate to accept the commitment and sacrifice of being a physician's spouse; and his stepdaughter, Jennifer, and her husband, work in the echo technology field. Dr. Tarry taught all of his children that hard work was its own reward, and he wished them to be healthy and active; to live life fully; to be responsible; and to treat other people well. He was not one to teach by lecturing, but rather by sharing good times with everyone, particularly in recent years, his grandchildren, and undoubtedly everyone with whom he came in contact, learned much from him. Kirby loved young people and interacted with them easily. His stepson, Eric, followed his example in serving as a Scout leader. Dr. Tarry answered the call to serve in many medical missions, including one in 1977 in prewar Afghanistan, as well as several to Eastern Europe, Kenya, Honduras, and Mexico after major hurricanes. In recent years he was proud to be a member of the Alamo Medical Response Group of the Texas State Guard, travelling to medically underserved areas in Texas, as well as deploying in the aftermath of many major hurricanes, that hit the Texas Coast. During this time he was awarded the Texas State Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon, Commanding General's Individual Award, Texas Humanitarian Service Ribbon, Texas Faithful Service Medal, Texas State Guard Service Medal, and many Certificates of Achievement. Throughout his life, his selfless service in the field of Medicine had a tremendous and lasting impact. In recent years he enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Colonial Hills Methodist Sunday School class. He is survived by his children, K. Roland Tarry and Dr. Anne Frances Tarry, their spouses, Dr. Rosa Andrade and Thomas Young; his stepchildren, Eric Fisher and Jennifer Fisher Kissick, their spouses, Lauren Fisher and John Kissick; his nieces and nephews, Gayla Austin, Dionne, Donna, Randy Pebsworth and his wife, Tere, Steven Pebsworth, Rodney Pebsworth, Karen Beatrice London and her husband, Bryan, Jimmy Spears, Susan Spears; his grandchildren, Jack, Carolyn, Kate, Andrew, Ashton, Aidan and Diego; his cousins, Joe Tarry, Sam Tarry, and Ken Livingstone; his grand-nieces and -nephews including Josh, Kala, Shawn, Krista, Brandon, Colby, Katie, Kayla, Brandon, Tracey, Shera, Jason, Justin, and Mason; and his great grand-nieces and -nephews Keila, Jayden, and Mia. He is predeceased by his parents; his siblings, Lester Tarry and his wife, Ima, Frances and her husband, Sid, and Ruby and her husband, Stan; and his niece, Paula Stansbury. A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2012, at Colonial Hills United Methodist Church, 5247 Vance Jackson, San Antonio, TX. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Indiana University School of Medicine, Class of 1966 Scholarship Fund. You may sign the on-line guest book at: www.missionparks.com under the obituary section.