Kenneth Edward Tanner

Kenneth Edward Tanner left this world early in the morning of June 17, 2012 at Buffalo Creek Farms in Ten Sleep, Wyoming. Kenneth was born on March 6, 1938, the son of Vashti and Clarence Richard Tanner. His older brother, Charles Richard, preceded him in death on April 10, 2012. Kenneth attended the schools of Fordyce, Arkansas from the elementary years graduating as a senior in 1956. Kenneth was selected a football all-star on the first All-Star team in the state of Arkansas. He was granted a football scholarship with the Southern State Muleriders in Magnolia, Arkansas in 1956-57. Kenneth transferred to the University of Houston, graduating with a B.S. degree in Geology in 1962. Following graduation he was employed as a geologist for Magnet Cove Barium Corporation (later Dresser Industries) in Houston, Texas. In his capacity as a geologist, he traveled world-wide evaluating mineral deposits for 19 years. Kenneth married Paula June Harrelson on March 8, 1958 in Houston, Texas. Each year with Kenneth was an adventure for Paula. Three children were born of this marriage: Dana Eric (deceased 1979), Beth Ellen, and Sally Elizabeth. His dream of a farm was achieved when he created Buffalo Creek Farms in Ten Sleep, originally a desert land entry, drilling two 4,000 foot water wells in conjunction with partners in 1972. He left Dresser Industries in 1981 to concentrate on Buffalo Creek Farms and to develop local bentonite mining ventures. Preceding Kenneth in death were his father and mother, Clarence Richard and Vashti Tanner; his brother, Charles Richard; and his son, Dana Eric. Survivors include Paula Harrelson Tanner, spouse; two daughters, Beth Ellen Johnstone (Casey), Ten Sleep, Wyoming and Sally Elizabeth Krei (Roger Lovato), Santa Fe, New Mexico; five grandchildren, Megan Elizabeth Krei, Thornton, Colorado, Katrina Alexis Taylor (Stuart), Ten Sleep, Wyoming, Jarryd Fitzgerald Krei, Northglenn, Colorado, Jesse Eric Johnstone, Basin, Wyoming, and Kimberly June Elizabeth Lovato, Santa Fe, New Mexico; two great-grandsons, Jhett Alexander and Cash Tanner Taylor, Ten Sleep, Wyoming; and numerous nieces and nephews. Kenneth was especially proud that four generations resided on Buffalo Creek Farms. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be missed by his loved ones and many friends. Memorials may be made to Billings Clinic Foundation, Oncology Research, 2917, 10th Avenue North, Billings, Mt. 59707, Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, 150 East Arapahoe Street, Thermopolis, Wyo. 82443, or a charity of your choice. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 22, 2012 at the Atwood Family Chapel at 620 Greybull Avenue, Greybull, Wyoming with the BPOE Elks Lodge #1431 Team officiating. A reception for family and friends will immediately follow the services at the Greybull BPOE Elks Lodge #1431. Memorial graveside services will take place at Tanyard Cemetery in Fordyce, Arkansas at a later date. Atwood Family Funeral Directors, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.