Demarco Lamar Tapplar

THE LIFE REFLECTIONS OF MR. DEMARCO LAMAR TAPPLAR

Demarco Lamar Tapplar, affectionately known as “Marco,” was born on May 3, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Kimberly Tapplar and Derrick McKinney. Marco was Baby A, born alongside his twin brother, Demontay (Baby B). Demarco departed this world on August 15, 2026.

Demarco attended AMIS, where he learned Spanish from kindergarten through sixth grade. He later attended Withrow High School, graduating in May 2022 and leaving his mark with his extroverted personality and enormous Tiger pride. Demarco also served as a cheer coach at Withrow, Walnut Hills, and Western Hills High Schools.

Upon graduating from high school, Demarco was accepted into Clark Atlanta University for Nursing, Cincinnati State for Culinary Arts, and UC Blue Ash. Demarco accepted a position at Boonespring Skilled Nursing Facility, where he worked as a nurse aide before deciding that nursing was not the career path for him. He also worked at White Castle on Linn Street and for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier. Marco later obtained his Class B CDL and was employed at Rumpke at the time of his passing.

Marco had a passion for cooking and started his own catering business, “Still Servn,” in 2020, selling brunch, dinner, and slushies. He loved cooking for his family and had the opportunity to cater events for celebrity rapper Moneybagg Yo, UC Bearcats basketball players, and local club promoters. Along with his passion for cooking, Marco loved planes and buses as a child, which later turned into an obsession with fancy cars as an adult. Demarco also loved to travel and visited numerous states and cities. Marco was talented and skilled with his gold clippers and trimmers. In his spare time, he was your “Cutz by Still Servn” barber.

Demarco was loving, caring, ambitious, and goal-driven. Every goal he set for himself, he worked hard to achieve and excel in. Marco was also passionate about fashion. Most importantly, he loved his family and friends. He was a positive influence on his younger cousins, who looked up to him. Marco made time to ensure that his grandmother and great-aunts were okay and never wanted for anything. Marco set the standard for what growing into a young man should look like. He was a listening ear to all who needed one, but he also wasn’t afraid to give you an earful when necessary.

Demarco was a mama’s boy and was affectionately known as “Jibbish Butt” to his daddy, as well as “Bobby’s World” because of his vivid childhood imagination. Demarco idolized his mom and watched her accomplish so many successful milestones throughout her life. He shared a close bond with his grandmother, Yvette, whom he lovingly called his “granny girl,” as well as his grandpa Larry, whom he loved cooking meals for. His nephew, DJ, loved his Uncle Marco his entire life and often referred to Marco as his “rich uncle.”

Demarco was preceded in death by his father, Derrick Edward McKinney; his uncle, Deandre Tapplar Sr.; his aunt, Artesia McKinney; and his best friend, Ja’vae Thomas.

Demarco leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his triumphant memories: his mother and everything, Kimberly Tapplar; his four brothers, Derrius and Demontay Tapplar and Derrick and Dillin Franklin; his three sisters, Shayeh Leaks, Dasani Franklin, and Teeyana Trice; his maternal grandparents, Yvette and Larry Tapplar; his paternal grandparents, Reverend James and Linda McKinney; his nephews, Derrius Tapplar Jr., Abreon, Amiri, and Derrick Jr.; his nieces, Jahniya, Tawnia, Amora, Dior, and Ah’mirah; his godmother, Shena Stenson; his bonus mom, Vanessa Tye; his special cousin, who was more like a sister, Deasia Collins; his favorite partying cousins, Keymia and Meleah; and a host of very special aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

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