Donald Edward Tanner

Donald E. Tanner, age 83 of Warren, died Saturday, April 28, 2012 in Chesterfield, Michigan. He was born on March 28, 1929 in Detroit, son of the late Edward Francis and the late Margie Isabelle (nee: Adkins) Tanner.With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to Donald for his service to our country during the Korean War era. Stationed in Germany as part of the Fifth Army Battalion, he answered the call to duty with pride and courage and did his part in helping to preserve the cause of freedom that we enjoy today. We honor his bravery, and the sacrifices made, by standing in the fray for liberty's sake.When it came time for choosing a career, Donald took the education he had accrued, along with his innate mathematical skills, and put them to work within the banking industry. For over 40 years, he extended the utmost in dedication and loyalty as an Auditor with the National Bank of Detroit, and remained true to his hard work ethics through each of the bank's transitions and mergers until the time of his retirement. When he wasn't working, many of his fondest memories were those woven around the trips he enjoyed taking with his beloved, Shirley, as they visited the more tropical delights of Florida and Hawaii. The two of them also found a lot of joy in sharing time together on the golf course. And like most Dad's and Grandpa's, the times he spent enjoying loved one's were some of the most treasured of all. Yet, to all who knew Donald, there's no question that his greatest passion in life centered around his love of the water and boating! He was the proud owner of a cabin cruiser,'one of the old style, wooden versions, of course. The newfangled fiberglass models just couldn't hold a candle to his 'wooden wonder.' And there's no doubt, he gave his precious vessel a constant workout in the countless hours he enjoyed on Lake St. Clair. Boating for Donald held a number of wonderful memories, like the excursions he'd often take up to St. Clair for a meal at the renowned, River Crab restaurant. But his greatest boating joys came out of his fascination with freighters. He absolutely loved watching them make their way up and down the waterways, and was enamored by their stature. Whether on the waters of Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, or Lake Huron,'there was many-a-day that he'd cruise to a favorite site, weigh anchor, and just sit for hours taking in the entertainment of these seagoing vessels. The waters of Michigan have, truly, lost a proud and devout boatsman!A loving husband, father and grandfather,'Donald leaves behind a storehouse of memories that will be rich in remembrance and a beacon of love to all who reflect on the impact he had upon their lives. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally. He was the beloved husband of the late Shirley. Dear father of David (Joyce) Tanner, Craig (Sharon) Tanner, and Crystal (Steve) Perucca. Loving grandfather of nine, and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister, Theda.Visitation for Donald will be held on Monday, April 30th from 5-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ' Mile Rd) in Warren. His funeral service will take place on Tuesday, 11:00am at the funeral home. Officiating the service will be Pastor Allen Tetzlaff.Please share memories of Donald at his guest book.