Rev. Marvin Howard (MH) Tarlton, 78, of Monroe, passed away peacefully, Monday, October 24 at his residence. He was born September 7, 1944 in Monroe, NC to the late Milliard Foster and Emmie Odessa Moser Tarlton.

Marvin preached, pastored, and evangelized for 50 years and was a construction worker with Reliable Construction. He was well known for his ability to explain the Bible in a way that anybody could understand. He could always be found with his tobacco, chewing gum, and spit can nearby, and was always feeding treats to pawpaw's girl, his dog, Daisy. Though he suffered physically for many years, Marvin left all that suffering behind as he saw the One he had preached about for so long.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Foster and Emmie Tarlton; brothers; baby boy Tarlton, Charles David "Pete" Tarlton, and Milliard Foster "Junior" Tarlton, Jr.; sisters; Margaret "Jackie" Moss, Shelby Jean Stegall, and Carolyn Tarlton Skinner.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce Taylor Tarlton; sons; Danny Tarlton (Susie) of Locust, NC, and Adam Tarlton of the home; grandchildren, Jennifer (Payton) Allen of Stanfield, NC, Teresa (Travis) Johnson of Monroe, NC, April Tarlton of Locust, NC, and Emmy (Jason) Wrenn of Oakboro, NC. He loved his 9 great-grandchildren: Autumn Allen, Jordyn Allen, and Jase Allen of Locust NC; Ryan Johnson and Austin Johnson of Monroe, NC; Joshua Spurlock, Trenton Spurlock, and Ryker Robinson of Locust, NC; and Laney Wrenn of Oakboro, NC. He is also survived by his sister, Brenda Pressley, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the Winston Witmore Chapel of Holland Funeral Service, 806 Circle Drive, Monroe, NC on Friday, October 28 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. The memorial service will begin at 5:00 pm in the chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sarcoma Foundation of America.