Julian David Tanner

Julian David Tanner, 16, of Alliance, Ohio, passed away on October 18, 2025, after a courageous 15-month battle with brain cancer. Surrounded by his loving family, Julian gained his angel wings, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength and a gentle spirit that will be remembered always.

Born on October 8, 2009, Julian brought light and love into the lives of those around him. His presence touched many hearts during his short but meaningful life.

Julian is survived by his loving and devoted parents - mother, Melissa Tanner of Alliance and father, Steven Tanner of Massillon; siblings, Isabella Tanner, Skyler Tanner, and Christian Breckenridge; grandmother, Vickie Blouir; special friend, Craig Walker; and numerous other relatives who cherished him deeply. He will be missed by his little French bulldog he named "Chubb," as well as the Frenchie that made him want one, "Gunner."

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents and paternal grandfather.

The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to the community for their overwhelming generosity, Akron Children's Hospital for their loving care of Julian, Wishes Can Happen (wishescanhappen.org) for granting his wish of meeting Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns (assisted by News-Talk 1480 WHBC and Mix94.1), Angelworks (myangelworks.org) for assisting with his celebration of life, and three caring women for their support during this trying time - Adrian Bailey, Vanessa Evans, and Madelyn Sweeney. The family will be forever grateful to Pastor Ed Carter of Marlboro Christian Church for baptizing Julian last year.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, October 26th from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home. The funeral service is on Monday, October 27th at 11:00 am, also at the funeral home.

Humble, grateful, kind, generous, loving - there could never be enough words to describe Julian. After being told, “There was nothing else that could be done," as his mother sobbed, Julian said, "It's ok, Mom, I'll be with Jesus." May Julian’s memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved him.