Eugene Rutledge Tanner Jr.'s Obituary
Obituary
Lakeview-Eugene Rutledge Tanner, Jr., 92, passed away peacefully on 7th of December 2017 at his home in Big Rapids, Michigan. He was born on June 21, 1925 in San Marcos, Texas to Eugene and Ola Tanner.
Eugene grew up in Amarillo, Texas and moved to Brawley California where he graduated from
high school in 1942. After high school he:
*attended Texas University in Austin, Texas where he was accepted into the Naval ROTC.
*joined the Navy in 1942 and served for 4 years.
*began work as a Technical Illustrator for Cameron Iron works in Houston, Texas
*attended Ohio State University and worked at North American Aviation
*joined the Commercial Art Department faculty of Ferris State University in 1964
*Obtained his Masters Degree from Michigan State University
*numerous paintings by Gene were selected for purchase by the Michigan Education
Association
*retired from Ferris in 1989
Eugene married Vivian Marie Charnley on September 8th, 1948. They were happily married for 70 years. He continued to paint portraits and produced prints of his work after retirement.
He also collected art memorabilia, stamps and maintained his collection of movies.
Gene is survived by his spouse Vivian of Big Rapids, Michigan; Son Josh (Lita) Tanner of
Houma, Louisiana; his sisters Mindy (Bob) Clark of Three Lakes, Wisconsin; Millicent
(Todd) Tanner of Louisville, Kentucky; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Cremation will take place and his wish was to not have services. A family gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
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