OJ Tarwater, 52, of Imperial died May 14, 2026. Mr. Tarwater was known for his wit, bright energy and one-of-a-kind sense of humor. He was considered the ultimate wildcard in any conversation. He loved street racing and muscle cars. When he wasn't working in the garage, he was commanding the backyard grill. A master of barbecue, he invented his own secret rubs and creative recipes. He was also known for his wardrobe of crazy and outrageous T-shirts. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. Born Aug. 13, 1973, he was the son of the late Orval and Elaina Tarwater.
He is survived by his two children: Kaleb Tarwater and Kacie Wilson, and their mother, Kim; a grandchild: Zaxton; a sibling: Dion (Ron Harris) Tarwater; niece and nephews: Coty (Sabrina) Tarwater, Danielle (Jake) Harris and Shawn Chandler; great-nieces and nephews: Kyler, Aislynn, Kamden, Amelia, Noah, Cole and Haylie; his parents-in-law: James and Kathy Kozlowski; his best friends: Josh Baughman and Brian Kalisch; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a sibling: Albert Tarwater; and a great-nephew: Blake.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, in St. Louis County. Private burial will take place at a later date.