John Wayne Tanner of Flora
John Wayne Tanner, age 88, of Flora, passed away Wednesday afternoon, May 2, 2018 at Flora Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
John was born Jan. 5, 1930, in Carrier Mills, the son of Harry A. and Dottie (Hart) Tanner. He married Diana L. Hatfield on Oct. 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 the 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 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 No. 204; and he was past Junior Vice Commander and member of Flora American Legion Post No. 14.
One of John's legacies 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 two sons, Chris (Ann) Tanner of Salem, and Br. Paul Tanner of Peosta, Iowa; a daughter, Lynn (James) Stonecipher of Bloomington; five 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, and Georgia Stonecipher of Naperville; eight 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, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
A funeral service will be held at 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 held at 9 a.m. Saturday until the time of service. Burial will be in Westwood Cemetery in Shawneetown.
Memorial donations may be given to Flora First United Methodist Church or Flora Public Library and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit www.frankandbright.com.