Richard E Tanner

Richard E. Tanner, 86, of Waterville, Ohio died Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was born in Canton, Ohio to Arnold and Laura (Sheldon) Tanner. Dick graduated from Alliance High School and Ohio University. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Akron. For 31 years, he was a science teacher at Dodge Middle School in Twinsburg, OH. He remained active in his community when he retired. Dick served his country in the United States Air Force. He served God as a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Later he was a member of Morrison United Methodist Church in Leesburg, FL and attended Waterville United Methodist Church in Waterville, OH. On August 2, 1958 Dick married Nancy and they spent 54 years together until her passing. Dick and Nancy enjoyed traveling and they treated each grandchild to an individual European or Alaskan trip. Dick and Nancy were world travelers having visited 18 European Countries, South America, New Zealand, Australia, and many Caribbean Islands. They were awarded a medal for sailing with Holland American Cruise Line for over 100 days. Dick was a 40-year member of the Masonic Lodge. He began his Masonic Legacy in 1981 by joining the Cuyahoga Falls lodge. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Freemason in Akron, OH. After his retirement he served as Secretary for the Lodge in Leesburg, FL. Dick was a proud supporter of the Masonic Youth, DeMolay International, and Order of Rainbow for Girls. Dick was a member of the Orlando Bahia Shrine, where he served as president in Lake County, FL. He was also a member of High Twelve, Kiwanis and was active in the Boy Scouts where he was a chairman and earned his Wood Badge. A man of many interests, Richard was an artist of many media, including paint, ceramics, photography and drawing. He enjoyed following the stock market and was an avid reader. He even served as the host for Hawthorne Retirement Community’s TV show, “What’s My Line?” Dick held much importance to contributing to family, faith, and community. He enjoyed following his children and grandchildren’s activities and will be greatly missed. Dick is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth (Brian) Howe and son, Jim (Vicki) Tanner; grandchildren, Laureen (Cory) Tilson, Jacob (Nikki) Tanner, Marissa (Alan) Kremer, Megan Howe and Rachel Howe; and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Nancy J. Tanner. Arrangements were entrusted to Maison Dardenne Walker Funeral Home, Maumee, Ohio (419-893-7686). Online condolences may be left at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com A Memorial Service and Interment will be on April 12, 2021 at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens, Leesburg, FL. Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or shrinershospitalsforchildren.org