Merl E. Tanner

1924 - 2018

MERL E. TANNER Merl Elisha Tanner passed away at home in Santa Rosa, California on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the age of 93. Merl was born Oct. 31, 1924 in Oakley, Idaho - the 9th of 13 children born to William Clarence and Annie Gay (Dayley) Tanner. He graduated from Oakley High School in 1942, and joined the U.S. Navy in the summer of 1943. He was stationed in the Marshall Islands for 18 months during WW II. Upon his discharge from the Navy in 1946, Merl settled in San Jose, California, where his parents had moved while he was overseas. In San Jose he found employment with Willow Glen Lumber Company, and began a career that spanned more than 40 years. Merl loved his work and the associations he formed in the lumber industry - and it showed. He was well-known for his enthusiasm and sense of humor. He was employed with American Forest Products for nearly 20 years, then worked for Louisiana-Pacific for 20 years before retiring in 1987. Merl married Honor Lanctot in 1954, and together they raised four children. The family's favorite activities were playing tennis together, Santa Cruz vacations, and taking neighborhood walks. Merl was an avid golfer, and continued to play well into his later years - he also loved to garden and can fruits and vegetables. He enjoyed sharing home canned goods with family, neighbors, and friends. Merl was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions including Stake Missionary, Temple Ordinance Worker, Bishop's Counselor, High Councilor, and Ward Clerk. Merl was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Honor, and 12 siblings. He is survived by his four children; Tim Tanner (TiLiAnne) of Santa Rosa, CA; Karen Staheli (John) of Payson, UT; Sandy Holmes (Steve) of Syracuse, UT; and Greg Tanner (Elizabeth) of Woodland, CA; along with 21 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Funeral services were held in Santa Rosa, CA on May 17th, with interment in the Santa Rosa Memorial Park. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com