Diana N. Tapley

Diana (Jamelia) Nahass Tapley was born on April 2, 1929, in Wellesley, MA and passed away on December 9, 2023, in College Station, TX at the age of 94. Diana is preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Tap” Tapley, who passed away 31 years ago.

Diana and Tap had an amazing life together starting in Massachusetts, then moving to Wisconsin and Michigan. They finally settled in College Station in 1963, when Tap took a position at Texas A&M as a physics professor.

In 1967, they purchased the Texan Restaurant, a drive-in restaurant built in the 50’s. After over 4 decades of owning and operating the restaurant, they were able to turn the Texan into a gourmet dining treasure for the citizens of Bryan and College Station, and the Aggie Nation until it closed in 2000. The Texan Restaurant was “the place to go” for a special night, especially on game days during the Aggies football season. Diana managed the dining room and greeted the guests. She was loved by many of the Texan’s patrons because she always made time to visit with them, making them feel important to her and Tap on a personal level. She would often ask about their families when they would come in to have dinner. Many would want to meet the chef, so Diana would escort them back to meet Tap in the kitchen.

They were also loved by many of the Aggies that worked at the Texan while attending Texas A&M. Many that graduated decades ago still visited her up to the week before she passed away. Diana made the world a much better place. She will be missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life is being planned in her honor so that all who loved her can come together for a night of remembrance and share stories about their experiences shared at the Texan.