DuWayne Robert Tannas

Wayne was born on August 9, 1937 in Torquay, Saskatchewan, Canada to Lawrence Einar Tannas and Jesse Ellen (Durr) Tannas. His family moved to Wilmington, California as a toddler where he grew up with his older brother “Bing” Lawrence Einar II. Wayne spent his childhood riding bikes, going to movies at the Avalon Theater with money he earned as a paperboy, playing football, the trumpet, working at Safeway and working on cars with family.

After graduating from Phineas Banning Senior High School in 1956, Wayne attended Los Angeles Harbor College and received his associate arts degree in 1962. He began his 28 year career in the telephone industry with Pacific Telephone and Telegraph in Los Angeles,

California. In 1973 Wayne and his family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where he continued his career with Mountain Bell/US West and then moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1987 until he retired in 1990. After his telephone company career, Wayne and his family moved to Roundup, Montana where he worked for Musselshell County Schools as a bus driver. He also worked as a bus driver when he moved to Sandy, UT and retired in 2014.

In 1956, after graduating from high school, Wayne enlisted in the Air National Guard 148th AC&W Squadron. He continued to serve his country in the National Guard in various units including the Utah Air National Guard 130th Engineering and Installation Squadron. He was named Airman of the Year in 1963 from the 148th Tactical Radio Relay Squadron. He retired as Senior Master Sargent from the U.S. Air Force in 1997.

Wayne met his wife, Nadine Marie Smith, at a church singles activity, and married her a few months later on May 23, 1970 in the Los Angeles, California Temple. Their meeting & short courtship is a treasured story he loved to hear retold. While residing in Buena Park, California, Wayne and Nadine welcomed Ellen Marie in 1971 and Eric DuWayne in 1972. Their third child, LeAnna, was born in 1975. Dad noted hundreds if not thousands of times “We are so lucky to have LeAnna as part of our family.” – Which we all agree. Wayne was a family man. He and Nadine lived the 'retired life' and enjoyed seeing their grandchildren at soccer matches, concerts, cross country races, church activities and awards, scouting advancement and cross country road trips to see and spoil all his grandchildren.

Wayne joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1968 and continued to develop his testimony of Jesus Christ throughout his life. He shared his love of his Savior with many, but especially his family. He served in various capacities at church including: cub master, stake missionary, executive secretary, branch president, Sunday school and priesthood group leader. He was also a member of a stake high council and numerous service committees and a temple worker.

Wayne was an amateur radio operator and inspired his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter to earn their amateur radio licenses as well. A scouter from childhood, he encouraged his son and grandsons to earn their 'Eagle Scout' awards. He loved hunting and camping and took his family on numerous camping trips, building lasting memories with them.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Nadine, daughter, Ellen (John) Sperry, son Eric (Megan) Tannas, and daughter, LeAnna Tannas, five grandchildren Joshua (Bailey) Sperry, BriAnna (Jack) Rhineer, Tiffany (Samuel) Durrant, Paige Tannas, Samson Sperry, one great grandchild Jace Sperry and his second great grandchild expected to arrive December 2025

Wayne is preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Einar Tannas, mother, Jesse Ellen (Durr) Tannas, brother Lawrence Einar Tannas Jr. and granddaughter, Sariah Anne Sperry.

Funeral services will be held on December 17. 2025 at 2115 East Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights, UT, 84093. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 AM. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM with interment following at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, Millcreek, UT. Funeral arrangements with Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.