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Submitted: 7/9/18 • Approved: 7/29/18 • Last Updated: 8/1/18 • R1229464-G0-S3
Dec 20, 1948 - Sept 5, 2017
Married Michelle Kay Paladino Aug 29, 1991
Obituary
legacy.com
Dr. David Gerald Tanner, age 68, of Russellville went to the Lord on September 5, 2017. He was born December 20, 1948, in Morrilton to the late George W. Tanner Sr. and Rosa (Smith) Tanner. Dr. Tanner graduated from Morrilton High School in 1966, graduated with his bachelors from Arkansas Tech University, and attended the University of Arkansas for a short period until he entered the Veterinary Program at OSU. He completed his degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from Oklahoma State University in 1977. He began his practice in Russellville in 1977 alongside Al David and Tommy Richardson, and eventually became sole owner of Tanner Veterinary Hospital and Veterinary Supply Company until September 2016. After graduation from ATU, Dr. Tanner accepted a commission in the United States Army. He was assigned to the Army Aviation Corps and selected at be a helicopter pilot. After completing the rigorous two phase pilot training in Fort Wolters, Texas and Fort Rucker, Alabama, he was sent to the Republic of Vietnam on November 21, 1971. Dr. Tanner served in Vietnam, primarily at Vung Tau, from November 21 1971, to May 23, 1972. While in Vietnam, he flew multiple missions as the pilot of various helicopters, including the UH-1 Iroquois a/k/a Huey. Dr. Tanner also served as a flight trainer. His clearest memory of his time in combat was his dedication to and love of the men with whom he served. He was released from active duty service three days after his return from Vietnam and he volunteered to continue his service in the United States Army Reserve where he attained the rank of Captain. Dr. Tanner was a beloved member of the community and could frequently be found leading programs. He was an active member of Ducks Unlimited, Quails Unlimited, Kiwanis National Wild Turkey Federation, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association. He was awarded numerous accolades, including Kiwanis Citizen of the year 1989-1990 and 1991-1992. Dr. Tanner loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved to cook and would often donate his time and money to prepare meals for the local organizations in show of appreciation for their services. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his friends during adventures across the USA. Dr. Tanner is survived by his wife, Michelle (Paladino) Tanner; his three children, Maegan Hampton (husband, Billy), of Pottsville, Richard "Richie" Tanner, of Conway, and Wayne Brown (wife, Angela), of Russellville; eight grandchildren, Cecelia, Gabriel and Sophia Hampton, Andrea and Jack Tanner, Madison, Kendall and Aubrey Brown; his brothers and sisters, Rocky Tanner and wife, Marilyn of Russellville, George Tanner of Pleasant Plains, Georgia Manning, of Dinuba, California, Rose Marie Allen and husband, Russell of Fredericksburg, Texas, Margie Abshire and husband, Darrell of Whitehall, and Sherry Foster and husband, Ronnie of Morrilton. Dr. Tanner is also survived by many other cherished family members, including his beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son, Justin Ryan Brown; two sisters, Helen Brents Wood and Jimmadean Tanner; and a brother-in-law, Jim Manning. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m, Friday, September 8, 2017, at Shinn Funeral Service. A Rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, September 10, 2017, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Center Ridge. The funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 11, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Center Ridge with Father T.J. and Father Harris officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Center Ridge under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Pallbearers will be Chuck New, Don Stout, Steve Hooten, Frank Baker, George Tanner and Rocky Tanner. Honorary pallbearers will be Ottis Tanner, Phil Wright, Dr. Tommy Richardson, Kevin Paladino, Steve Paladino, Tommy DeSalvo, Tim Baker, Keith Gray, Mike Sanders, Richard DeSalvo and the members of the West Fork Deer Hunting Club. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church at 343 Catholic Point Road, Center Ridge, Arkansas 72027, or a charity of choice. The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.
Contributed on 7/9/18 by hawkinsdonna48
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Record #: 1229464