Williaim J. "Will" "Billy" Tanner (1871-1923)

William J. Tanner, second son of James and Mary Tanner, was born at Dyer, Ind., October 18th, 1871, and passed away at his home in Lowell April 8, 1923, aged 52 years, 6 months and 20 days.

He was united in marriage to Miss Ella Garrison , August 6, 1895. To this union was born one child, a daughter, Neva. During Mr. Tanner's life in Lowell he severed as a salesman with many different commercial firms until entering into a partnership with Charles Anderson in the general mercantile business. Severing his connection with this firm, he again entered into business for himself in which business he continued until his death.

"Billy," as he was familiarly known, was of a congenial nature, easily making and retaining friends of the truest nature. He was greatly respected by all who knew him and was a liberal donator to all religious institutions. His life will be remembered from many social angles. Thus ends a career of usefulness, love and integrity. He was a member of the Oddfellows lodge and the Knights of Pythias lodge.

He leaves to mourn their loss, his wife and daughter; four brothers, John and James Tanner, of Chicago Heights; Charles Tanner, of Berwin, Ill.; Joseph Tanner, St. Joseph, Mo.; five sisters, Mrs. Louis Klass, Parnell, Mo.; Mrs. Rose Fornhals, St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. Katie Shane, Chicago Heights; Lillian Tanner, St. Joseph, Mo.; Sister Harlinda, Benediction Convent, Clyde, Mo.; and many other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held at the M.E. church Wednesday, April 11, at 2 p.m., where a large number of friends gathered to pay their last respects to a man they had honored and respected. Rev. C.A. Brown, pastor of the church, preached the funeral sermon. Lowell lodge No 245 I.O.O.F. attended the service in a body and the burial ceremony of the order was given at the cemetery. Interment was made in the Lowell cemetery. Undertaker Weaver had charge of the burial service. The following old friends acted as pall bearers: George Hoevet, Fred Turner, Charles Nichols, Albert Moxell, Edward Yates, Fred Sanger.

Gone, dear father, gone, forever,
How oft we miss thy loving face;
But you left us to remember
None on earth can take thy place.

The happy home we once enjoyed,
How sweet the memory still;
But Death hath left a lonesomeness
The world can never fill.