Rev. John S. Tanner

Reverend John S. Tanner, beloved husband, father, grandfather and pastor, went home to be with the Lord on June 1, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born on April 9, 1942, in Dallas, Texas, John lived a life marked by faith, laughter, compassion, and devotion to God’s calling. As a Baptist pastor, he dedicated his pastoral career to preaching the Gospel, shepherding his congregations, and pointing others toward the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

For over 40 years, Reverend Tanner served faithfully as a pastor in churches across the country. His ministry began with planting First Baptist Church in Huron, South Dakota. He also served with the Baptist Home Mission Board at First Baptist Church in Kona, Hawaii; as pastor at East Grand East Baptist Church in his hometown of Dallas, Texas; at Immanuel Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; First Baptist Church in Mt. Calm, Texas; Southtown Baptist Church in Bloomington, Minnesota; and Pueblo West Baptist Church in Pueblo West, Colorado.

In his congregations, Reverend Tanner was known for his friendly personality, quick smile, and relatable preaching style, often introducing his sermons with a joke. He loved all of his church congregations and was able to reconnect with them when he visited each church on his “Victory Tour,” which he took with his wife, Diana Tanner, in 2015.

Beyond the pulpit, John was a devoted husband, father and papa who loved spending time with family on his pontoon boat, in the swimming pool, or taking a drive to get ice cream in his 1949 Ford Woody station wagon. He is celebrated for his love of God, his sheer enjoyment of people, his passion for his alma mater, Baylor University, watching Baylor sports, and his bias that “50’s music is the best music ever written” with favorite artists including Little Richard, The Big Bopper and Buddy Holly. He will also be remembered for his continuous work on his antique cars: a 1942 Ford convertible and the 1949 Ford Woody, “Woodrow.” His steady personality was grounded in hope and he was known to share stories and “dad jokes” (which may or may not have included the punch line) with anyone gathered around.

He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Diana Johnson Tanner; his daughters, Amy (John) Cornelius and Jennifer (Eric) Winkelman; his stepdaughters, Lisa (Mark) Hufford, Denna (Allen) Bunce, and Lana (Matthew) Copper; his grandchildren, Liana, Laurelle, Olivia, Payton, Grant, Leah, and Ashley; and his three siblings, Lucy Rippy, Bill (Marcia) Tanner and Laura Hanes.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patsy Pettigrew Tanner, and his parents, John S. and Marye Bryan Tanner.

A funeral service celebrating his life and ministry will be held on June 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Grand View Baptist Church in Beulah, Colorado with lunch to follow.