William Edward Tamplin

Born on November 5, 1947, in Beaumont, Texas, Eddie moved with his family to Grand Prairie in elementary school and graduated from Grand Prairie High School, Class of 1966. Shortly after, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Eddie built a long and dedicated career in aerospace, working for General Dynamics and later Lockheed Martin, where he served with the union before retiring. He was known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, and kindness— qualities that defined every area of his life.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Eddie loved cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. His favorite “buddy” for games and lively sports conversations recently was his 10-year-old grandson. Eddie also found joy in the simple pleasures of life — tending to his beloved koi pond, taking camping trips across the country with his children, and sharing laughter with friends at the Legacy Oaks of Midlothian Senior Living community, where he was a friendly competitor and frequent winner at corn hole.

No matter the challenges he faced, Eddie approached life with optimism, faith, and gratitude. His quiet trust in God sustained him and he lived with a deep sense of peace and purpose, confident in his eternal home.

Eddie is survived by his loving wife, Jan Krebes Tamplin of Midlothian; daughter Melissa Tamplin Harrison and husband Dalen of Dallas; son Maxwell Tamplin of New Boston; stepdaughter Sandra Zurawski and husband Gerard of Midlothian; and stepson David Marvo and wife Sherry of Midlothian. He is also cherished by his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Poppy” — including Savannah, Hudson, and Olivia Harrison of Dallas; Jaeson and Alex Zurawski of Midlothian; Noah Marvo of Joliet, Illinois; Dylan and Kristan Jehle of Scottsdale, Arizona; great-grandchildren Jayson and MaKenzley Zurawski of Midlothian; and siblings Betty Werner and husband Travis of McKinney, and Bobby Tamplin and wife Melinda of Watauga.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tyne and Ida Tamplin of Sherman; his brothers Ray Tamplin of Beaumont and Jessie Tamplin of Fort Worth; and by the mother of his children, Cynthia Burleson Tamplin, with whom he shared 28 years of marriage and many family memories.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Waxahachie Bible Church, 621 Grand Ave N, Waxahachie, Texas. All who knew and loved Eddie are warmly invited to attend and share in honoring his remarkable life. Lunch will be served immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Eddie’s memory to the SPCA of Texas or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, two causes close to his heart.