Thomas Earl Tarris, age 79, of Adrian, died early Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 2025, at Gaslight Village Assisted Living in Adrian, while under the care of Hospice of Lenawee. Born October 16, 1946, in Adrian, he was the son of the late Paul and Margaret (Ash) Tarris.
Tom was a 1964 graduate of Adrian High School and a lifelong Adrian resident. In 1966, he proudly enlisted to serve his country as a member of the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1968. Returning to civilian life, Tom met the former Cynthia Ann Kirkbride of Canton, Ohio while she was a student at Adrian College, and they married in her hometown on October 17, 1970. They raised two children and enjoyed over 54 years of marriage before her passing on December 28, 2024.
Tom was employed for over 39 years as a mail carrier with the Adrian office of the United States Postal Service until his formal retirement in 2003. He and Cindy were members of the Adrian First United Methodist Church, and he also belonged to the Adrian American Legion Post 97. He was also a member of the 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite and a member of Shriners International. Tom also worked part-time for several nearby funeral homes in the area, most recently at Anderson Funeral Home. In his spare time, he enjoyed camping, especially in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and northern Indiana, flower and vegetable gardening with Cindy, and socializing with his neighbors. He also enjoyed following the football teams of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, University of Michigan Wolverines, and the Detroit Lions. His kind demeanor and upbeat personality will be greatly missed.
Tom is survived by his sister, Marlene (Ron) McKimmy of Adrian; and three nieces, Annette, Rhonda and Amanda. In addition to his parents and wife, Cindy, he was preceded in death by his two children, Stephanie Tarris and Paul Tarris.
Cremation will take place and Tom will be laid to rest in Ridgeway Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Shriners Children’s or Special Days Camp in Kalamazoo. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.marryfh.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.