Surronnal Frank Tanner

Surronnal Frank Tanner was born September 4th, 1944 and made his final journey homeward on January 5th, 2026 peacefully at home with family. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana to George Tanner Sr. and Mildred Richards Tanner. He was one of six children and brother to Yvonne Starks, George Tanner Jr., Tanya Tanner, Ivory Paul Payne and Jennifer Tanner. He met his beloved Ida Upkins Tanner in Alexandria, LA while he was stationed at the England Air Force Base. They shared a life of 58 years together. Frank was a father to Kimberly D. Tanner-Hersh, Milagros R. Tanner, and Shawn Fenceroy. Grandfather to Aika L-P Brown, Alika I Chappell-Hersh, Akila A-H Chappell-Hersh, Mikea R. Tanner, Akiva J-L Tanner-Gray and Stephen Hinez. Great grandfather to Zayden Campbell, Zeotae Brown, Kainoa Hooker, Tristen Hersh, Ava Gordon, Nevelle Mayfield, Kalani Hersh. Interim great grandfather to several more. Uncle to Thomas Lee Tanario Starks, Rance Jackson, and Anthony Tanner. Nieces Marquita Marshall and Taja Marshall. He leaves behind a host of aunts and uncles Christine Plummer, Lottie Watkins, Mary Richards, Carrie Richards, William Richards, and Arthur Richards and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his Godson Shawn Fenceroy, grandson Alika Chappell-Hersh, nephew Martin Tomjari Starks, brother George Tanner Jr and his parents.

Frank was born the same year as Gladys Knight and Joe Frazier during the height of World War II. He enlisted in the US Air Force at the age of 18 and served one tour in the Vietnam War. After serving, he was honorably discharged and moved to Mountlake Terrace, Washington to be close to his sister Yvonne and her husband Thomas where he and Ida raised their family. Frank worked for the Seattle-based Continental Can Company for several years then spent the rest of it working for Metro Transit with various routes throughout Bellevue and the North Bases until his retirement.

Frank was an American Jazz enthusiast with a carefully curated vinyl collection. He was an eclectic car collector with a keen eye for the rarest of vehicles. He deeply valued his personal connections with his friends, family and community. In his free time, he enjoyed spending it with, keeping in touch with his classmates from Booker T. Washington High School and the numerous members of his extended family. Frank truly valued his family, a dedicated steward to those he loved. He was a man of honor, that had the opportunity to live through some of the most historical times of the 20th century. He was beloved by many, and we will all miss his quick wit, sense of humor, and the sound of his laughter.

Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills

409 Filbert Rd.

Lynnwood, WA 98036

425.672.1800

www.FloralHillsLynnwood.com