Eric J. Tarver, Sr. was born on March 10, 1939 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, son of Mamie Tarver and the late Peter Tarver. He was raised in Cranford, New Jersey where he played football and ran track at Cranford High School. He resided there for 51 years. On October 28, 1957, Eric married his beloved Brenda and was blessed with 58 years of love, joy, and friendship. They were also blessed with 3 wonderful children and 8 grandchildren. Eric and Brenda moved to O'Fallon, Missouri 7 years ago to be near their children and grandchildren. Eric was an Auto/Volkswagen Technician for Jenewein Motors and Douglas Motors. He worked the last few years at Carter Wallace Pharmaceutical and retired in 2001. Eric was an Assistant Coach for Pop Warner and Little League Baseball teams. He loved sports especially playing all major sports with his sons, nephews and neighborhood kids when they were growing up. After retiring, his favorite sport became golf. He also loved building furniture, remodeling and landscaping the yard. Eric could repair and fix almost everything.He had a great knack of decorating. On Monday, November 30, 2015, Eric John Tarver, Sr. answered the Master's call at the age of seventy-six. Eric leaves to cherish fond memories, his devoted wife of 58 years, Brenda Tarver; daughter, Hollee and husband, Harry Smith of O'Fallon, MO; 2 sons: Eric John Tarver, Jr. and wife, LaTanya of St. Charles, MO and Todd Tarver and wife, Michele of O'Fallon, MO; wonderful mother, Mamie Tarver of Cranford, NJ; brother, Harold Tarver of Oceanside, CA; eight grandchildren: Austin, Kendall and Brook Smith, Todd, Jr., Brandon, Morgan, Devyn Tarver, and Logan Tarver; sisters-in-law, Bernice Mason, Mary Mayer of King George, VA and Evelyn Mayer of Mountainside, NJ; brothers-in-law, Milton Mason of Cranford, NJ, Norman Morse of Westfield, NJ, and Ernest Vaughan of Plainfield, NJ; god-daughters: Bonnie White of Scotch Plains, NJ, Michelle Daniels of Cranford, NJ, and Jasmine Martinez of Westfield, NJ; and a host of dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Eric J. Tarver, Sr. You are invited to add a Tribute in his memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences. Funeral Home: G.G. Woody Funeral Home 206 E. 8th Avenue Roselle, NJ US 07203