Albert Lawrence Tarkington affectionately known as "Mike" was born on August 27, 1956 in Saint Louis, Missouri to the union of Connie Young and Donald Tarkington. His brother, Bradley and father, Donald "Don" Tarkington preceded him in death. Mike attended St. Edwards's grade school and Catholic Church, and at church he was an Altar Boy. He went on to attend Beaumont High School in which he excelled academically. He was inducted into the National Honor Society in 1973. After graduating from Beaumont in 1974 he enlisted into the U.S. Army. He served on active duty for fifteen years and for the last five years of his service in the Army he served in the Army Reserves in the 21st General Hospital. He received many awards for his excellent work and was featured in the newspaper after his return from Operation Desert Storm. After returning from the Army, Mike studied pharmacy and became a pharmacy technician. He worked for numerous hospitals but his heart was with his final employer, DePaul Hospital. Even after becoming disabled he frequently visited his co-workers and told them of his strong determination to return to work there. Mike married Paula Robinson and to his union was born his only child, Breanna. He always bragged about how strong the resemblance was between him and his daughter. Though from a previous marriage Mike loved Paula's older children Stephanye and Marcus as his own and often bragged on his grandchildren. Mike's hobbies were jogging, watching sports, cowboy movies and wrestling on television, sightseeing all around Saint Louis and listening to smooth jazz. In his younger days he was nicknamed "The Running Soldier" by the Military. Even after he became disabled Mike was seen all around Saint Louis. He was last known as the Lindbergh Wheelchair Racer as he traveled up and down Lindbergh. He also attended Maranatha Ministries Christian Church with his friend and co-worker Miss Lottie. He leaves to mourn: his only child, Breanna; His mother, Connie Young; His grandmother, Ruth DeClue; his stepmother, Barbara Jean Tarkington; His brothers, Donald Tarkington II and Kurt Tarkington; sisters, Carla Tarkington, Tracey Wolff (Nathan), Charlotte Wheeler-Newby (Joseph), Felicia Davis, Beverly Goldman (Lamarr), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Albert Tarkington. You are invited to add a Tribute in his memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.