Francis Hugh Tanner

Francis Hugh Tanner passed into eternal life on September 18, 2021. He was a loving and faithful husband of 69 years to Earlene Martin Tanner who preceded him in death. Others preceding his death include: Floyd Evert Tanner, father; Frieda Dahlke, mother; 4 brothers: Henry Tanner, Virgil Tanner, Evert Tanner, Loy Tanner, and 1 great grandson, Elijah Jenney.

Francis was born on November 23, 1928, in Moneta, California. He graduated from Agra High School in Agra, Oklahoma, and he lived his entire adult life in Oklahoma. He briefly attended college at Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma, and enlisted in the US Army in 1946. As a WWII veteran, he was a patriotic man who loved God and loved his great nation.

Francis was a devoted Christian, with strong faith after accepting Christ as his savior and being baptized. He was a longtime member of First Southern Baptist Church of Del City and was active in the senior FOCUS group until his health declined. Francis was steadfast in reading scripture and studying his Sunday school lessons. Previous supervisors and coworkers mentioned Francis as a hard worker. Early in his career, he worked the Santa Fe railroad and later was employed at Townley’s Dairy beginning in 1951 delivering milk to homes for 27 years. At the age 50, he went to work at the Firestone-Bridgestone Tire plant until his retirement at age 66. Francis had a passion for collecting, repairing and tinkering with his many vintage Corvair cars. He held many offices including President of the Indian Nation Corvair Association.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping along with many other family activities. He taught all three daughters, their cousins, and many friends to water ski and was a trickster on the slalom ski. He loved to be outdoors and could always be found messing around in the backyard.

In the last weeks of life, COVID robbed him of his strength, stamina, and interests. Francis has left the earthly body and is now home with His Lord.

Survivors include: sister, Frieda Jones; daughter Frances Wade and husband Bob; daughter Nancy Solomon and husband Joe; daughter Debbie Dahl and husband Mike; Grandchildren: Stephanie Jenney, Joseph Solomon, Stacy Chronister and Barrett Dahl. Great grandchildren: Tyler Holden, Ethan Jenney, Justin Jenney, Cade Chronister, Emory Chronister and Logan Schultz and many beloved family members and friends.

Francis will be deeply and forever missed. Thank you all for the outpouring of love for our precious Francis over the years. A special thank you to Brenda Sasnett who prayerfully and lovingly assembled pictures of love for the video.

A heartfelt gratitude goes to Cheryl Jones for providing in-home assistance for our dad, as she cared for him as though she would her very own dad! In addition, we were also blessed by the Del City Church of Christ for the Meals on Wheels program for which we are grateful.