Tanner Francis Denton

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary.

He was a Central High School baseball team leader and assistant coach.

Survivors include his mother, Allison McKissen of Grand Junction, his father and stepmother, Marty Denton and Shelly Denton of Grand Junction; and three sisters, Rileigh McKissen of Grand Junction, Erika Johnson of Evans, and Kyla Gottardo of Longmont.

Memorial contributions to Central High School Baseball, 550 Warrior Way, 81504.

Our loving son and best friend, Tanner Francis Denton, was taken from us on August 11, 2016. He will be greatly missed by his mother, Allison McKissen of Grand Junction, and pops, Francis M. (Shelly) Denton of Grand Junction. He also leaves behind his sisters, Rileigh McKissen of Grand Junction, Erika (Leaya) Johnson of Evans, CO, and Kyla (Shannon) Gottardo of Longmont, CO; brother, Jarred Staley of Athens, CA; grandparents, Jane Denton of Grand Junction, Rick Harmon of Grand Junction, and Karen Larsen of Grand Junction; great-grandmother, Shirley Larsen of Grand Junction; uncle Matt (Niccole) Harmon of Grand Junction; aunts, Carolyn (Jeff) Isaacs of Wahiawa, Hawaii, and Mikkii Hernandez of Grand Junction, CO; nephews, Emmitt Gottardo and Kamryn Johnson; and cousins, Devyn, Makayla, Laryssa, Aiden, Christopher, Jacob, Jonathan, and Cody.

Tanner’s life began in Denver, Colorado, on January 17, 1993, where he lived for two years. He then moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, which he would call home for 21 years.

Tanner grew up playing sports in Grand Junction and was best known for the time he spent on the baseball field. He tried soccer, but he didn’t like running, so he played goalie. He also played a couple of seasons of basketball, but stayed true to his first love, baseball. He started by playing T-ball in Fruita, CO, at the age of 5 and finished his baseball career as a Central Warrior High School Assistant Coach.

Baseball served him well, providing him with lifelong friendships and travel all over the U.S. He was able to play anywhere from the Little League World Series in Steamboat Springs, to Arizona, Utah, Nevada, California and many more. He once even played against MLB starter, Bryce Harper. Tanner played for the Central Warriors, Gene Taylors, Orchard Mesa All Stars, Crush, River Dogs, and many other traveling teams. Over the span of his baseball career, Tanner played every position, but catcher was the position he stuck with. Tanner once asked his high school coach if he could try pitching, and the coach responded with, “Yes, but if you do, that will probably be the last time you catch.” So, he remained a catcher. After high school, Tanner was recruited to play baseball for Antelope Valley Community College in California. He was there only a short time before returning home to his family and friends.

As many young adults do, Tanner found himself trying to find himself. He went to CMU for a short time and worked several jobs before becoming a salesman for his pops at Country Club Liquor. He had high aspirations to take over the family business, so he returned to CMU to pursue a degree in Business and Computer Science.

A lot of people knew and loved Tanner as a baseball player, but that was just a small part of who he was. First and foremost, Tanner was a family man. He never missed an opportunity for a hug, an “I love you”, or an opportunity to spend time with his family. Tanner’s love for Colorado sports led to many great memories with his mom and pops. Tanner traveled extensively with his family to Italy, Mexico, Hawaii, and many other places. He enjoyed attending concerts and pro sporting events. He loved art and music, and drawing was one of his favorite hobbies. Tanner was one of the most loving people you will ever meet. He danced to the beat of his own drum and had a true zest for life. He was infamous at Bookcliff Country Club for his long hair and wild golf pants, and those who knew him were graced with laughter and respect. He cared about humans as a whole and had a special place in his heart for animals and the homeless. We have been blessed with many memories of Tanner rescuing animals off the street, his “feed a bum a taco” campaign, taking a homeless man into his home for a shower, a hot meal, and a warm bed, and providing dog food for the homeless people who have furry companions.

Tanner will continue to help others through organ donation, which is something that he was also a passionate advocate for.

A celebration of Tanner’s life will be held on Friday, August 19, at the Stocker Stadium Hospitality Suite from 7:30 pm-10:30 pm. Please bring a story or two to place in a memory box for future generations to enjoy. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 20, at 1:30pm at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary followed by interment at Elmwood Cemetery in Fruita. Family friend, Dave Kitzman, will be performing the services.