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Jan 5th, 1930 - May 2nd, 2018
John Wayne Tanner, age 88, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Wednesday afternoon, May 2, 2018, at Flora Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
John was born January 5, 1930, in Carrier Mills, Illinois, the son of Harry A. and Dottie (Hart) Tanner. He married Diana L. Hatfield on October 28, 1951, in Harrisburg, and they celebrated 46 years of marriage together. She preceded him in death on April 6, 1998.
John worked as an insurance agent for 20 years, but genealogy was his passion and he published a book titled "Cemetery Inscriptions of Clay County, Illinois". He was Carrier Mills High School Valedictorian and attended Southern Illinois University before serving his country proudly in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. John was a member of the Flora First United Methodist Church where he served as head usher for a number of years and attended the Golden Links Sunday School Class. John also served one term as Flora City Commissioner. His other memberships included the following: Past President and longtime member of Flora Rotary Club, Clay County Red Cross, Illinois State Genealogy Society, Southern Illinois Genealogy Society, Clay County Historical Society, Flora Masonic Lodge #204, and was past Junior Vice Commander and member of Flora American Legion Post #14. One of John’s legacies that he leaves behind is the countless photos he took and shared of people and events over the years. He would have at least two cameras with him to make sure he captured the photo(s) that he wanted.
He is survived by 2 sons: Chris (Ann) Tanner of Salem, Illinois, and Br. Paul Tanner of Peosta, Iowa; a daughter: Lynn (James) Stonecipher of Bloomington, Illinois; 5 grandchildren: Christopher (Andrea) Tanner of Georgetown, Indiana, Jessica Tanner (Andrew) Pommert of Joplin, Missouri, Samantha Stonecipher (Robert) Ruby of Burlington, Kansas, Shane (Kelli) Stonecipher of Champaign, Illinois, and Georgia Stonecipher of Naperville, Illinois; 8 great-grandchildren: Noah, Micah and Grace Tanner and Diana, Claire and Rebekah Pommert, and Brody and Colton Stonecipher; and his sister and Irish twin: Dinah Lee Tanner of San Antonio, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, with military honors presented at the conclusion of the service. Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Westwood Cemetery in Shawneetown, Illinois. Memorial donations may be given to Flora First United Methodist Church or Flora Public Library as will be accepted through the funeral home.
Aug 9, 1962 - May 4, 2024
Dec 28, 1946 - Apr 30, 2024
Feb 10, 1975 - Apr 28, 2024
Mar 18, 1985 - Apr 28, 2024
Oct 15, 1958 - Apr 26, 2024
I am truly sorry to here of John's passing. He was one of the nicest people and that was his honest personality, not something he turned on and off. Not a lot of people like that anymore. He was a great example to his family who carry on that family trait. He will be remembered and he will be missed.
Sorry for your loss. John was a wonderful man, I have many pictures of my family that he gave me. I was unable to attend visitation as I was baby sitting g and also had out of town company. Prayers for the family. Mike and Sharon Gray
I have fond memories of John. Always smiling, always ready for a chat. Rest in peace, Mr. Tanner. You were one of the GOOD ones! Love, ~Cecelia~
Prayers to all
So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a great man and friend who will truly be missed. Praying for comfort for you all who were so blessed to have been close to him throughout his life. Ron Bradham, Centralia, IL
Ron & Mary Anne Ayers
Chris, Pat and Lynn I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a great man and always had a smile and kind word when we met. He will truly be missed. Thinking of your family and sending my sincere condolences. Doug Briscoe
Br. Paul, your classmates from near and far send their condolences to you at the passing of your Dad. Our thought and prayers are with you.
John wore many hats: insurance salesman, blueberry pancake maker, Boy Scout campout chaperone, photographer, genealogist, mower of grass, bringer of smiles, member of McDonalds' morning coffee round table. I'll miss his friendly greeting, "Hey, Mel!!"
So blessed I had the privilege of knowing John and even his camera. He was a true example of Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self”. His amazing programs were full of such knowledge and research. Always had a smile and special nicknames for friends. Prayers of comfort and peace for all of you.
John and his family were my neighbors when I was a child. He and his wife, were very special role- models for me and my entire family. We attended the same church. I will forever, in my mind, see John with his camera at church taking countless photos! John did special research for me and my sisters, authenticating we are Daughters of the Revolution, which took John a lot of devoted time to do and meant so much to me and my family. He and his family will always hold a very special place in my heart. Sending the kindest of Regards and Sympathy to his family, Edith Childers Edwards
RIP JOHN he was a good man
So sorry for your loss Linda (Rodgers) Cammon
Oh, I have such wonderful memories of John! His fantastic sense of humor, his infectious laugh..... He was always helping everyone around him and was such an important part of life in Flora. I know he's with Diana in God's heaven!!
Rest in peace Johnny Wayne, You have been a blessing to so many.
I will miss John's kind and loving presence. He always came bringing a smile and a hug. With love and sympathy for his family, Andrea Stonecipher
I always remember seeing your Dad from time to time when I was growing up in Flora. Even as a kid I would enjoy talking with him. It has been many years since I have seen any of you, but remember you all very well. God Bless you all. Brent Schroeder
My love and thoughts are with you all. Your dad was a wonderful person and made a positive impression on many lives. I still have the pictures he took when my kids were confirmed at Flora 1st UMC. His smile was infectious. Mila
Over many years of return visits to Flora, I always looked forward to seeing and talking with John. I shall miss seeing him on my next visit at Memorial Day time, but as I enter the FUMC from now on, I will smile with happy remembrances of John in my heart. He was truly a good man. R. Medley Gatewood
Sympathy is extended to the family, sorry for your loss.
We are praying for God's comfort and strength during this time of sorrow!
I always enjoyed being in John's presence. He always smiled. He was welcoming, friendly, humorous, always good for laughter. He cooked pancakes on Saturday mornings. He drove people around the country. He visited (while collecting insurance premiums). He drove my mother to airports, railroad stations. He and his family always welcomed me into their home. He was a great friend to our family. He was my friend. I always looked to see him in my travels to Flora. John was the father of three great children. John was a great man. Thank you, John, for being part of my life. Melvin will miss you. Mark Henson
We have many wonderful memories of John and family, beginning with the years we were neighbors while our children were growing up. We are saddened at the news of his passing. We wish the family our deepest condolences at this time of loss.
John...what a special man! We will miss him so much! My heart just melted with the mention of his photo taking. I bet he captured many memories for our family over the years. He was such a kind man , with the biggest heart...and oh how we will miss his always welcoming smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends.
I have such fond memories of John and Diana from church. He will be missed!
Chris and Family: We are sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man who ALWAYS had a smile and kind word. We enjoyed knowing him. Please know that all of the family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless each of you in your time of grief. RIP John
John was such a joyful man, full of Gods love for all who crossed his path. I still have photos taken by him, on display in my home. May His soul Rest In Peace.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
