Obituaries

Thomas E. Tanner

Photo of Thomas E. Tanner
Thomas E. Tanner of Maumelle, beloved husband, brother, and father, passed away on February 6, 2015. He was an attorney for 50 years in Little Rock and Crossett, Arkansas. Tom Tanner was born in Little Rock on February 16, 1940. He attended Little Rock Central High School and Little Rock University. He attended law school at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Upon graduation, he served in the US Army Reserves and began a long and distinguished legal career that included working as the North Little Rock City Attorney and as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney under Arkansas Prosecuting Attorney Lee Munson. After leaving the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Mr. Tanner entered private practice. He founded several title companies in Little Rock, including Quapaw Title Company, and worked as a title attorney for United Built Homes. Mr. Tanner also served as a longtime political aide for former Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Joe Purcell. He was a trusted advisor and counselor to his many friends and clients up until his death. Mr. Tanner was a parishioner at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock, where he taught Sunday School. He served as a member of the school board at The Cathedral School as well. He coached youth sports at the Northside YMCA in North Little Rock and served as a leader in the North Little Rock Indian Guides and as an assistant troop leader in the Boy Scouts. Throughout his life he was known for bringing humor and joy to all who knew him. Mr. Tanner was predeceased by his wife, Cherry Lynn Walters Tanner, his parents, Thomas W. and Juanita Tanner of Little Rock, and by his sister, Dana Tanner Gardner of Memphis, Tennessee. He is survived by his sister, Dode Wilson of Conway, his sons, Tommy and Michael, and by four granddaughters, Elizabeth, Catherine, Sophia, and Olivia. A memorial service will held at Ruebel Funeral Home in Little Rock on Wednesday, February 11, at 11 a.m. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Published February 10, 2015

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