John Raymond Tanner

John Raymond Tanner MARION-John Raymond Tanner, 61, of Marion passed away at 8:47 PM, Monday, July 27, 2009 at the V.A. Medical Center in Marion. To allow for traveling time the funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, July 31, 2009 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Reverend Ed Martin officiating. For local family and friends the visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion. Burial will be at New Salem Cemetery in Creal Springs. Military rites will be held at the cemetery by VFW Post 1301, American Legion Post 147 and the National Guard. John was born on January 30, 1948 in Herrin to Harold Wendell and Alberta Lenora (Whitehead) Tanner. He married Cynthia “Cindy” L. Reed on August 1, 1970 in Spillertown with his brother, Gary Tanner conducting the ceremony; together they shared 38 years of marriage. Survivors include his wife, Cindy Tanner; daughters and sons-in-law, Tina R. and Randy Cox and Gina D. and Lonnie Gunther; son and daughter-in-law, John R. and Amanda Tanner; grandchildren, Mason Coles, Dustin Gunther, Aaron Gunther, Andy Gunther and John R. Tanner; sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Edward Martin; sister-in-law, Judith “Judy” K. DeRudder; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Gary W. and Carolyn Tanner; father-in-law, James E. Reed, Sr.; sister-in-law, Lucille Margaret “Margie” Thomas; and many known relatives too numerous to list. John would want to be remembered as a beloved child of God, a wonderful husband, magnificent father, loving Papa and devoted brother. However, anyone who knew him would say he was a devout patriot and decorated Vietnam veteran of the United States Army and our personal hero. John retired from GTE after 32 years of service. He was a member of the IBEW Local 702 and ADVETS.