J Golden Tanner passed away at the age of 94 on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in South Jordan, Utah. He was a beloved husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle. He was the younger of 2 children, born September 27, 1931, in Richfield, Utah, to Golden J Tanner and Marian M. Nielsen. On December 1, 1951, he married his sweetheart Sunshine M. McGuire. They were married 69 years before her death on December 14, 2020.
He is survived by his 2 daughters: Carol Tanner and Connie Tanner; grandchildren: Cori Compton, Melissa Dolmer, and Cara (Graham) Degn; great grandchildren: Mia Degn and Tanner Degn. He leaves behind his devoted canine companion, Pal.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sunshine M. Tanner, and his sister Margaret E. Ricks.
He started his adventurous life attending the University of Utah for a time and then entered the United States Air Force on January 5, 1951. His life was one of dedication to the Air Force during his 21 years and 7 months of service prior to his retirement. He was sent to locations where he had to leave his family behind to serve and, also, to other locations where they were able to travel with him to see the world. He was assigned to many locations overseas such as Germany, Japan, England, and Russia, but the nature of his work sent him even further around the world for short periods of time.
Graveside Services will be held on February 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Richfield City Cemetery with Military Honors Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of J Golden Tanner, please visit our flower store.
View All Photos
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
50 South 100 West, Richfield, UT 84701

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more