Obituary of Raymond B. Tanner

TANNER, RAYMOND B. SR. Age 86 of Elmira Heights, NY passed away on Tuesday July 25, 2017. He was born in Elmira, NY on December 19, 1930 the son of the late William M. and Winifred B. Butler Tanner. Mr. Tanner was a Veteran of the Korean War serving his country with the U.S. Army. He was retired from MacMillan-Bloedel in Elmira Heights as an Assistant Traffic Manager. He was a member of the Oakwood United Methodist Church. Ray was a life member and Past Commander of the Clarence R. Oliver American Legion Post #154 and Past Department Vice Commander and also Legionaire of The Year in 1992. He was a Delegate to the Legion National Convention for 15 years and a member of The National Distinguished Guest Committee . Ray was a member of V.F.W. Post #10960 and a member of the 40/8. He was a member of The Elmira Heights Fire Dept. for 70 years and was awarded Fireman of the Year 1999-2000. Mr. Tanner was an Equipment Truck Helper with the Mark Twain Cadets Bugle and Drum Corp. for 8 years. He was named Citizen of the Year in Elmira Heights. Ray was pre-deceased by his first wife Alice White Tanner on December 16, 1995 ; his son: Raymond B. Tanner Jr. on April 7, 2011; his brother Gerald Tanner and his step-son Bryan Palm. Mr. Tanner is survived by his children: Shirley and Chris Forment of Lawndale, CA; Laurie and Chuck Derr of Elmira Heights, NY; Tina and Donny Seymour of Lowman, NY; William and Michele Tanner of Phoenix, AZ ; Rose (Mrs. Raymond Jr.) Tanner of Lawndale, CA; special granddaughters: Shari and Dorena, and grandchildren: Donald, Jeremy, Christopher, Cory, Tila, Kaiali, and Zofia; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; his wife Patricia David Palm Tanner; Patricia's children: Charles Palm; Michael and Margaret Palm of Skokie, IL; Gina (Mrs. Bryan) Palm; Hilary Ann Palm Bradich and Michael Bradich of Chicago, IL; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of caring friends. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS, NY on Wednesday August 2, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM with a Legion Memorial Service to take place during evening hours. Raymond's Funeral Services will be held on Thursday August 3, 2017 at 10AM at the Funeral Home. Ray will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Alice in Woodlawn Cemetery where Full Military Honors will be accorded Mr. Tanner. In lieu of flowers those wishing may remember Mr. Tanner through memorials to The Elmira Heights Fire Company Emergency Vehicle Fund 215 Elmwood Avenue Elmira Heights , NY 14903 or Meals on Wheels 409 William Street Elmira , NY 14901.Condolences and memories may be shared at www.lynchsfuneralhome.com