LeRoy Tarbox, retired Command Chief Master Sergeant, passed away February 13th, 2025 at Sioux Falls Regional VA Hospital hospice surrounded by family. He was 78.

LeRoy Noman Tarbox was born January 22nd, 1947 in Watertown, SD to William and Maxine (Brown) Tarbox. He attended Thorpe grade school and graduated from Bradley High School, SD in 1966. Following high school, he enlisted in the US Air Force and proudly served in Vietnam.

On May 28th, 1968 he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Mary Lambert in Lilly, SD. The couple resided in New Jersey and Virginia until honorable discharge from the US Air Force.  They returned to Watertown, SD where LeRoy worked at Minnesota Rubber for 6.5 years before moving to Sioux Falls in 1977 for a full time Air National Guard Crew Chief position. LeRoy and Mary were blessed with 4 loving daughters. LeRoy retired in August of 2003 to spend time with his many family members.

LeRoy was a member of Christ the King Church, Knights of Columbus, VFW, and American Legion. He served as a volunteer board member for the Air Guard Federal Credit Union. LeRoy volunteered many hours as an election worker. He enjoyed caring for his neighborhood either mowing, removing snow, or feeding the local wildlife. He loved attending his children's and grandchildren's school activities.

LeRoy enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers, children, and grandchildren. He was a skilled mechanic, using these skills to repair everything from airplanes to cars to small engines. He had a passion for "story time" with his brothers and grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife Mary of 56 years; daughters Teresa Schmidt, Pierre, SD, Kathleen Mitzel (Edward), Aberdeen, SD; Lisa Baye (Jordan), Sioux Falls, SD; Diane Jansen (Steven), Sioux Falls, SD; 18 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; brothers, Roger, Kenneth (Patty), Vernon (Christine), Rick (Theresa), Daryl (Cleo), brother-in-law, Kenneth Waege; sister-in-law, Barb Tarbox and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Barbara and Marlene; and brother Allen.

Memorials may be directed to Christ the King Catholic Church or Midwest Honor Flight.

Funeral Mass will be held 11:00am Tuesday February 18, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church,1501 W. 26th Street. Following a luncheon, the interment will take place at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls. The visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00pm, Monday, February 17, 2025, at the church, with a prayer service and Rosary beginning at 6:00pm.