Davis Stevens Tarr, 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Strasburg on May 12, 2026, following a related illness, surrounded by his loving family and loyal dog, Bruno.

Born on July 17, 1935, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, to Gloria and Allen Tarr, Davis grew up in Baltimore, where he attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. He went on to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, then went on to proudly serve his country by joining the Army, and went on to graduate from West Point Academy class of 1960. Then, after finishing his service in the Air Force, he became an electrical engineer.

Davis went on to dedicate over 30 years to the National Security Agency, where he built a respected career as an engineer. Throughout his life, he was known not only for his intelligence and work ethic but also for the many roles he cherished most as a husband, father, grandfather, mentor, teacher, traveler, and loyal friend.

Living as though the world were his oyster, Davis approached every opportunity with curiosity, courage, humor, and excitement. He loved great food, adventure, and travel, and was always eager for a new experience, whether big or small. He embraced life fully and always had wonderful stories to share from his many travels and experiences. His generosity, wisdom, adventurous spirit, and warm sense of humor brightened the lives of everyone who knew him.

Davis is survived by his loving wife, Lucy Chaney Tarr; daughter, Betsie Patrick; stepdaughter, Elizabeth Chaney; grandchildren, Bailey and Sean Patrick; son-in-law, Alan Patrick; and his cherished role as a father figure to Scott and Mindy Tarr Whalen.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Stevens Tarr; his father, Allen Tarr; and his sister, Valerie Wise. Prior to his marriage to Lucy, Davis was married to the late Joan Phelan Tarr.

A funeral service celebrating Davis’s life will be held on July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Calvary Episcopal Church in Front Royal. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of a life well lived.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

You may sign the guestbook and submit condolences to the family online at www.stoverfuneralhome.com.

Stover Funeral Home and Crematory, Strasburg, VA is honored to serve the family of Capt. Davis Stevens Tarr.