William Dale Tanner, 70, died at 3:55 pm on April 5th, at Millers Merry Manor in Plymouth, In., following a lengthy struggle with dementia. His family was at his bedside. Bill was born in Plymouth, In., to Robert and Virginia Ruggles Tanner, and resided in and around Plymouth most of his life. He graduated from PHS in 1961. He was an accomplished musician and excelled in the music department and received many awards and medals for both vocal and instrumental music. Bill also graduated from the Culver Military Academy Summer Naval School. Bill attended IU School of Music, and graduated with a degree in music education. While at IU, he was a member of the Singing Hoosiers, the Marching 100, and Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. His major instrument was piano and a minor in trumpet. He married Carolyn Rowe on Aug. 21, 1965. There they had three sons, David, Dan and Joe. Bill loved to go on vacations with the family, go to theme parks with his kids and enjoyed occasional trips to Wrigley Field. Bill taught in the Triton and Oregon Davis school systems. He was very influential in the development and growth of their instrumental music programs. He touched the lives of many students. Bill loved teaching and he opened the Teachers Music Studio with Charlie Atkins, in South Bend. He also had studios in Plymouth at JR Music Service, and Wagoner’s Music Store. Bill played professionally most of his adult life. He started with a jazz trio and later joined with Roger Kronk and his band “Little Roger and the Dixieland Giants”. Bill also played with several South Bend bands, taking part in the Park Concert series and the Elkhart Jazz Festival. He was very devoted to the First Presbyterian church and provided such beautiful music. In 1969, he became the organist and choir director and he continued all his musical activities until his illness forced him to retire. Surviving are his sons: David (Michelle), their children, Zach, Jon, Sarah, and Andrew; Dan (Jeanne) and their children, Maggie, Lauren, Sam, Claire, and Leah; Joseph (Ashli) and their child, Alex. He is also survived by his sister Jeannie (Bill) Adams, and their children Brad Ebert and Michael Adams; his Aunt Betty Ruggles and her children, Ann Bowser and Jim Ruggles; and his former wife, Carolyn Rowe Tanner.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hubert and Helen Tomlinson Tanner, Cliff and Ruth Ruggles, his parents Robert and Virginia Tanner, his second wife Cindy Scroggs Tanner and several aunts and uncles. Bills tremendous musical talent will be remembered by so many who heard and enjoyed his delightful performances. His Grandfather, Hubert, Grandmother Ruth and his mother, Virginia were all accomplished musicians. His sons are all musically talented, and his granddaughter, Sarah, is an accomplished musician at the age of 15. Bill’s legacy will live on through them. We would like to thank all the nurses and doctors at Bremen Community Hospital, SJRMC in Plymouth, and the compassionate and kind care provided to Bill at Miller’s Merry Manor in Plymouth. Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 401 North Walnut Street, Plymouth. A Memorial service will follow in the church at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Jean Spark officiating. The Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home will be assisting with the services.
Burial will be in the Oakhill Cemetery on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Marshall County Human Society, P.O. Box 22, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Susie Reinholt says
My condolences go out to the Tanner family. The PHS Class of 1961 have many, many fond memories of Bill and his extraordinary musical talent. He was indeed one of the best! Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.
Janet Metsker Smith says
Dear family,
The PHS Class remember Bill as an excellent music student. He has shared his music talents with many through the years. Our classmate and friend will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
The 1961 Class of PHS
Donna Frushour says
David, Dan, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your father\’s passing. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Remember that he has gone to a better place and is no longer suffering. One day we will all meet up with our Lord and Savior.
With deepest sympathy,
Donna, Mark, Anthony, Trevor, and Thomas Frushour
Jan Wagoner says
Bill had an amazing ear and passion for music, and he shared his talent with so many. We were fortunate that he was part of our teaching staff at Wagoner\’s Music Shop for many years. Bill had deep compassion for animals, and cared greatly for his family. My condolences to all who are grieving this loss.
Donna Taber Whitmer says
Dear Jeannie and the Tanner Family,
I am saddened to learn of Bill\’s death. I danced to his tunes on many happy occasions in my life. He will now join in the angelic music heard in heaven…. and so it continues….
Donna Taber Whitmer
Loretta Bowes says
My condolences on the loss of your father. May he rest in peace.
Joan, Dick, and Patrick Joyce says
To the Tanner Family,
One cannot think of Bill without placing a piano in front of him and hearing wonderful music being played. A special favorite of all – ragtime music! He has left a profound musical heritage, and it is wonderful that his granddaughter is carrying on that inherited musical gift. The Presbyterian Church was always grateful for Bill\’s talents being shared with them through worship services and all kinds of fun social activities. There will never be another Bill Tanner!
His illness has been a long, difficult struggle. Our sympathy and prayers go out to the entire family.
toni ford says
dear dan and david my deepest condolence on the death of your father. have many happy memories of pcu working with you. my love to you both toni ford sjrmc.
Ed Barcus and Family says
David and Dan and Families,
Sorry to hear of your father\’s passing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandi & Ed Madden says
We are so sorry to hear of Bill\’s death. He has had a long struggle…but leaves such a beautiful musical legacy behind! May you find comfort in all your wonderful memories! Praying for the Holy Spirit to bring much peace during this time.
karri harris says
Dan
Iam so sorry for your loss . I have many memories of your dad from when we were kids .He was a very sweet man
karri bottorff harris
Barb Dunbar says
I am sorry to here of your loss. Bill Tanner was my music teacher in school. I enjoyed his class very much. He was a great guy. He will be missed.
SANDRA BOTSET says
Dear Tanner Family,
SO SADDENED TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR FARHERS ILLNESS. HE CERTAINLY LEFT A LOT OF MEMORIES IN THE MUSIC WORLD.HE ALSO WAS A GOOD FRIEND. I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU ALL TO HAVE THE STRENGTH. FOR THE HARD DAYS COMING UP.
SINCERELY
SANDY BOTSET AND TODD AND JOHN
Steve Listenberger says
Dan I was sorry to hear about Your Dad, well wishes to You and Your Family.
cliff zeider says
My condolences to Bills family, Bill will be missed by all who knew him. cliff
sue and terry engeman says
David, Dan, and Carolyn, After so many years it was wonderful to talk with all of you again. After PCU at SJRMC and the Musicians Union and the gigs we had such fond memories of you and lso of Bill.
Sue and Terry Engeman
Becki Hampton Felten says
To the Tanner family,
My condolences. I had the pleasure of being in school with Bill and enjoying his many musical talents, in the high school choir and the ensembles. What a talent he was! God\’s blessings be with all of you at this time.
Becki Hampton Felten
PHS 1962
Susie Reinholt says
My condolences go out to the Tanner family. The PHS Class of 1961 have many, many fond memories of Bill and his extraordinary musical talent. He was indeed one of the best! Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.
Janet Metsker Smith says
Dear family,
The PHS Class remember Bill as an excellent music student. He has shared his music talents with many through the years. Our classmate and friend will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
The 1961 Class of PHS
Donna Frushour says
David, Dan, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your father\’s passing. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Remember that he has gone to a better place and is no longer suffering. One day we will all meet up with our Lord and Savior.
With deepest sympathy,
Donna, Mark, Anthony, Trevor, and Thomas Frushour
Jan Wagoner says
Bill had an amazing ear and passion for music, and he shared his talent with so many. We were fortunate that he was part of our teaching staff at Wagoner\’s Music Shop for many years. Bill had deep compassion for animals, and cared greatly for his family. My condolences to all who are grieving this loss.
Donna Taber Whitmer says
Dear Jeannie and the Tanner Family,
I am saddened to learn of Bill\’s death. I danced to his tunes on many happy occasions in my life. He will now join in the angelic music heard in heaven…. and so it continues….
Donna Taber Whitmer
Loretta Bowes says
My condolences on the loss of your father. May he rest in peace.
Joan, Dick, and Patrick Joyce says
To the Tanner Family,
One cannot think of Bill without placing a piano in front of him and hearing wonderful music being played. A special favorite of all – ragtime music! He has left a profound musical heritage, and it is wonderful that his granddaughter is carrying on that inherited musical gift. The Presbyterian Church was always grateful for Bill\’s talents being shared with them through worship services and all kinds of fun social activities. There will never be another Bill Tanner!
His illness has been a long, difficult struggle. Our sympathy and prayers go out to the entire family.
toni ford says
dear dan and david my deepest condolence on the death of your father. have many happy memories of pcu working with you. my love to you both toni ford sjrmc.
Ed Barcus and Family says
David and Dan and Families,
Sorry to hear of your father\’s passing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandi & Ed Madden says
We are so sorry to hear of Bill\’s death. He has had a long struggle…but leaves such a beautiful musical legacy behind! May you find comfort in all your wonderful memories! Praying for the Holy Spirit to bring much peace during this time.
karri harris says
Dan
Iam so sorry for your loss . I have many memories of your dad from when we were kids .He was a very sweet man
karri bottorff harris
Barb Dunbar says
I am sorry to here of your loss. Bill Tanner was my music teacher in school. I enjoyed his class very much. He was a great guy. He will be missed.
SANDRA BOTSET says
Dear Tanner Family,
SO SADDENED TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR FARHERS ILLNESS. HE CERTAINLY LEFT A LOT OF MEMORIES IN THE MUSIC WORLD.HE ALSO WAS A GOOD FRIEND. I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU ALL TO HAVE THE STRENGTH. FOR THE HARD DAYS COMING UP.
SINCERELY
SANDY BOTSET AND TODD AND JOHN
Steve Listenberger says
Dan I was sorry to hear about Your Dad, well wishes to You and Your Family.
cliff zeider says
My condolences to Bills family, Bill will be missed by all who knew him. cliff
sue and terry engeman says
David, Dan, and Carolyn, After so many years it was wonderful to talk with all of you again. After PCU at SJRMC and the Musicians Union and the gigs we had such fond memories of you and lso of Bill.
Sue and Terry Engeman
Becki Hampton Felten says
To the Tanner family,
My condolences. I had the pleasure of being in school with Bill and enjoying his many musical talents, in the high school choir and the ensembles. What a talent he was! God\’s blessings be with all of you at this time.
Becki Hampton Felten
PHS 1962