Lawrence "Larry" Varian Tagg

Chaplain Lt. Col (R) Lawrence (Larry) Varian Tagg passed away on January 17, 2025, in Tucson AZ. He was predeceased by Donna Jean, his wife of 60 years, his parents, and siblings Burton Tagg, Muriel Jolin, and Averill Kitterman. He was born on September 25, 1930, in Sioux City, Iowa to Elwyn S. and Myrtle F. Tagg. He is survived by sons Philip and Martyn, grandsons Greyson and Brandyn, and great grandson Braxtyn.

Following his 1948 graduation from Central High in Sioux City, he enlisted in the Army in the experimental Truman Year and served at Fort Sill OK. He transferred to the Organized Reserve Corps, where he remained active during 4 years at Morningside College in Sioux City, then 3 years at the Iliff School of Theology (Methodist) in Denver CO. He joined the Air Force in 1956 as a chaplain and served for 20 years. His assignments were Fairchild AFB WA, Ladd AFB AK (remote year travelling circuit of six Dew Line radar sites), Keesler AFB MS, Wiesbaden AFB Germany, Ent AFB/Peterson Field CO, Rhein Main AFB, Germany; and Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson. 

Following retirement, he attended the University of Arizona for 3 years, earning master’s degrees in history and journalism, and wrote the book Harold Bell Wright: Storyteller to America. He worked 30 years as a volunteer at the Rincon Mountain Unit of Saguaro National Park and played baseball for 20 years with the Tucson Old Timers (TOTS). His lifelong hobby was researching military plane crashes and named Airmen’s Peak in the Catalina Mountains to honor lost aviators.

Interment will be alongside his wife in the Fort Huachuca Post Cemetery on a date to be determined.  A celebration of life will follow the ceremony. Correspondence may go to Martyn Tagg, PO Box 646, Sonoita AZ 85637. Any donations may go to the charity of your choice.