Reverend Paul A. Tanner
February 11, 1923- October 23, 2017
Paul A. Tanner, age 94, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at his home on October 23, 2017. He was born on February 11, 1923 in Erie, PA, to Edward and Evelyn Tanner. His twin sister, Pearl, died in 2012, leaving Paul as the last of ten children to survive.
He is survived by Jean Tanner, his wife of 75 years. Also surviving are a son, James D. Tanner, and wife Maxine (Norton) Tanner of Anderson, a daughter, Margo Sue (Tanner) Royer, and husband, Joe Royer, of Anderson. There are six grandchildren: Matthew (Chris) Tanner of Carmel, Indiana; Ryan Tanner of Los Angeles, California; Nicholas (Bryanna) Tanner of North Aurora, Illinois; Natalie (Royer) Farmer (Adam); Hillary (Royer) Novak (Joel) and Joshua Royer. There are fourteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.
Dr. Tanner graduated from Anderson University in 1946, attended Michigan State University, Winona School of Theology, and received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Anderson University in 1969.
Reverend Tanner held pastorates in London, Ontario, Canada; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Lansing, Michigan, from 1946 until 1959, directing major church construction in all three pastorates. He returned to Anderson in 1959 to become Executive Director of the Division of World Service, a position he held until 1979, when he became Executive Secretary of the Executive Council of the Church of God, a position which he held until retirement in 1988. After retirement he served as Director of Development for Christian Brotherhood Hour. In August 2017 he received recognition as Executive Director Emeritus and Elder of the Movement.
In 1984, he partnered with "Citizens for Community Values", a nation-wide pro-family organization. He served for 16 years as director of the Madison County Chapter. His leadership drew people from all over Madison County, of various faith communities; addressing the problem of sexual violence and indecency. In recognition of his leadership, he was recipient of many awards, including the "Community Image Award" from the Anderson Rotary Club.
His hobbies were working in his yard, golfing and an annual fishing trip to Canada for fifty years. He golfed until he was in his 90's. He was an active member of the Anderson Noon Kiwanis Club for 40 years. He was disciplined in physical fitness, working out daily at the YMCA or AU Wellness Center. His motto was "God, Grandchildren, and Golf".
He was an active member of Park Place Church of God, having served on various boards and committees. He served several terms on the YMCA Board of Directors, continuing for many years as a director-emeritus.
Visitation will be Friday, October 27, from 5:00-8:00pm at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service and one hour prior to the service at the church.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, October 28, at 11:00 am at Park Place Church of God, with Dr. David Markle officiating. Graveside services will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Park Place Church of God, 501 College Drive, Anderson, IN 46012.