Charles Richard Jarvis, 74, of Tarkington Prairie, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. A celebration of life service will be held at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Cleveland, Texas, on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at 2 p.m. The viewing will be held Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at 4 to 8 p.m.
Born in Wellston, Ohio, on Dec. 12, 1950, Richard wasn’t much for school—instead, he answered the call to work early, becoming a roofer and embracing the value of hard-earned experience. A true salt-of-the-earth man, Richard was the kind of person who never minced words. You always knew where you stood with him. He didn’t take any nonsense, but if you needed help, he’d be the first to show up—ready to lend a hand, offer advice, loan a few bucks, or even give you the shirt off his back.
For more than 57 years, Richard was a devoted husband to his wife, Realie. Together, they built a life grounded in love, respect, and resilience. He was a steadfast father who taught his children how to be people of character—demanding honesty, encouraging pride in their work, and insisting on walking the straight and narrow. Though he wasn’t always outwardly sentimental, his love was steady, evident, and deeply felt in the way he always showed up for his family.
A coach at the ball fields, a mentor at home, and a man with a gift for turning everyday moments into lessons, Richard raised his kids to be self-reliant and ready for whatever life threw their way. His life took him from the roofline to the ranch, eventually leading him to a role as Ranch Manager at TTT Horse Ranch, where he spent his days caring for animals, land, and anything that needed fixing. In between, he and Realie traveled across Texas, Iowa, and beyond trading horses, often with grandkids tagging along for the adventure.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Realie Jarvis, and their children:
• Richard Jarvis and wife Devida of Conroe, Texas
• Lisa Jarvis Graham and husband Ronnie of Tarkington, Texas
• Gregory Jarvis and wife Teresa of Huntsville, Texas
• Norman Jarvis and wife Sheila of Cleveland , Texas
He was a proud grandfather to:
Adrien Alsalmani (Ali), Amber Attaway (husband Bruce), Trevor Baldwin, Emalie Wilson, Shawna Vivola (husband Joseph), Steven Jarvis, and Linzie Jarvis (fiancé Zach)
And a loving great-grandfather to:
Mackenzie, Mernalynn, Lillie, Mariam, Collin, Mya, Mia, and Elliyas
He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Alene Jarvis, and his brothers John, Fred, Gerald, and Paul and his grandson Cpl Brandon William Smitherman. He is survived by his siblings: Ethel, Mary, David and wife Kathy, Laura, Norma, Carl and wife Renea, Becky and husband Randall.
Richard leaves behind a legacy of grit, generosity, and unconditional love. He was tough but fair, strong yet tender-hearted, and always there when it mattered most. The lessons he taught, the values he lived, and the love he gave will echo through generations.