Frank & Bright Funeral Home

John Tanner

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.