Eugene Rutledge Tanner Jr.

LAKEVIEW -- Eugene Rutledge Tanner, Jr., 92, passed away peacefully on Dec. 7, 2017, at his home in Big Rapids.

He was born on June 21, 1925, in San Marcos, Texas, to Eugene and Ola Tanner. Eugene grew up in Amarillo, Texas, and moved to Brawley Calif., where he graduated from high school in 1942. After high school he attended Texas University in Austin, where he was accepted into the Naval ROTC. He joined the Navy in 1942 and served for four years.

He began work as a technical illustrator for Cameron Iron works in Houston. He attended Ohio State University and worked at North American Aviation, joining the Commercial Art Department faculty of Ferris State University in 1964. He obtained his masters degree from Michigan State University. Numerous paintings by Gene were selected for purchase by the Michigan Education Association. He retired from Ferris in 1989.

Eugene married Vivian Marie Charnley on Sept. 8, 1948. They were happily married for 70 years. He continued to paint portraits and produced prints of his work after retirement. He also collected art memorabilia, stamps and maintained his collection of movies.

Gene is survived by his spouse, Vivian, of Big Rapids; son, Josh (Lita) Tanner, of Houma, La.; his sisters, Mindy (Bob) Clark, of Three Lakes, Wisc. and Millicent (Todd) Tanner, of Louisville, Ky.; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Cremation will take place and his wish was to not have services. A family gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences to the family may be made utilizing the guestbook at brighamfuneralchapel.com.