O.L. “Shorty” Tanner, 81, of West Fork, Arkansas passed away suddenly Sunday evening, April 23, 2017 at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Smith. Born April 24, 1935 to Oval and Ruth Karnes Tanner at Blackburn, Arkansas.
Survived by his wife, May Tanner and two children: Daughter, LeAnn Moore (Tim) of Dallas, Texas and Son, Scott Tanner of West Fork. One sister Betty Weber Burchett of Miami, Oklahoma. Nieces, nephews and many, many friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Cecil and two sisters; Mary Jane Bartholomew Johnson and Marie Parker.
“Shorty” began his work career as a lifeguard at Devil’s Den State Park then moved to Chicago after graduating from West Fork High School. After Army Service on Hawaii, he held a variety of supervisory positions in the meat industry from Cleveland to Canton, Ohio including – Superior’s Brand Meats at Massillon, Ohio before purchasing Ozark Custom Butchering at Woolsey, Arkansas.
His retirement meant working only 5 days a week and provided more time for cows, grass mowing, cards, dinner with May and coffee with the boys every day at 3pm. He enjoyed life, his family and his friends of which there were many. A creative problem-solver, “Shorty” was a whole lot of fun to be around. His sudden departure has left us all at a loss.
The family will receive friends at Beard’s Funeral Chapel this Thursday, April 27th at 5-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to be made in Shorty’s name to the American Heart Association or Washington Regional Hospital Cardiac Unit. A celebration of his life will be held at 10am, April 28th at Beard’s Chapel with Rev. Randy Burris officiating.
May and family: We were so sorry to learn of Shorty’s passing. We send out deepest condolences to you all.
Dearest May, LeAnn, and Scott,
I just learned of O.L.’s passing. I am so sorry we will all miss him very much. I send you my love and deepest condolences. May God Bless and Keep you all.
LeAnn, Tim and family. Condolences from friends in Michigan. May your time together as a family be comforting and may your warm and loving memories bring you strength through this time. We will be praying for you all. Cheryl and Phil Hecksel, Lansing, Michigan
A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. West Fork truly lost one of it’s most colorful characters.
Shorty was one of Mom and Dad’s (Buell and Lillian Woods) favorite “kids.” He was always kind to me as the little one under foot. Their students were their “kids” so I felt we were all related! Shorty was kind, funny, carring, and liked by everyone. He will be missed. My heart and love is with his family. God Bless.
Bev (Pud Woods) Elliott
Dear May, LeAnn & Scott
We can’t begin to tell you how shocked we were when we heard the news of Shorty’s passing. When I told all the kids, it was Mark, who said it best, “Mom, Shorty was like family” and he was. We will all remember him that way. May God Bless and Comfort you all at this sad time and give you Peace.
Dear Precious LeAnn,
My heart sends you a very warm hug filled with love.
May your Father go easily into the Light. My love to your
lovely Mom, she is blessed to have you with her now.
Dear LeAnn, May and Scott. I’m so sorry to hear of Shorty’s passing. He was a wonderful person and loved his family! You’re in my prayers.
Dear Ms. May,
I was so sorry to hear of Shorty’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with and the family at this difficult time.
Julie
Im so sorry for the loss of your dear family member, Shorty Tanner. I remember him as a funny, very kind and super nice guy. I know he will be so missed. My deepest sympathies and prayers. May God’s peace comfort you at this difficult time in your life.
Sincere Condolences and prayers to the family.
Dear LeAnn and Family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you! Shorty was an amazing gentlemen! I’ll never forget dancing with him at your wedding, LeAnn. May, you and and Shorty were a beautiful couple!
With Love, Missy and George, Sherman, TX
We were both sorry to hear of Shortys passing away. He was a very nice man. We will continue to keep all the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Shorty was a very caring neighbor! We will miss seeing and hearing him in our everyday life! His delightful humor always brightened our day! Our kids will miss his over- the-fence cheering when they practice basketball at home. Please let us know any way we can be there for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!