John Dave (JD) Tanner, Sr., Foxhunter Extraordinaire and a Hell of a Good Fella!, was born March 19, 1933 in Prairieville, Louisiana to Willis Harrison Tanner and Nettie Elizabeth Tanner nee Anderson. JD passed away August 11, 2023 at Francios Bend Senior Living in Gonzales, Louisiana at 90 years old. JD grew up the eighth of nine children tilling fields with a horse and milking the family cow. He often took the corn they grew to be ground and would run to the closest grocery store barefooted to get whatever his momma needed. Since he was a young boy, JD loved to hunt and often told stories of his adventures as a young boy growing up and hunting with his uncles. JD attended Dutchtown High School where he played 6 man football and met the love of his life, Margaret Mire Tanner. Due to the Korean War, JD left high school and joined the army. He and Margaret got married September 27, 1952, when he was 19 and she was 17. While serving in the military, he earned his GED. After he was discharged, he worked various jobs including working in the oil fields, moving houses, owning a garage, driving a truck, owning a hauling business, and acting as Ascension Parish Manager. However, his favorite job was being a father to his five children, Margaret, John, Elizabeth, Paul, and Cleve. He was an avid foxhunter and loved his dogs. He spent many hours running his dogs with his children and friends. JD would often cook a jambalaya as many men sat around and listened to his many tales. Shooting the bull was one of his favorite pastimes, and he was never at a loss for words. JD was always joyful and welcoming. He not only cared for his family and friends, but also complete strangers. He loved to help people and was a man that would give you the shirt off his back. He would provide food, health supplies, and donate blood without a thought and with a smile. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his father, Willis Harison Tanner, mother, Nettie Elizabeth Anderson Tanner and siblings: Athen Sydney Jack Tanner, Milton Tanner, Verna Tanner Wells, Mamie Vina Tanner Lobianco, Addie Mae Tanner Martina, Willis Harrison Tanner, Jr, Alve Ruby Tanner Vicknair, and Thurman Joseph Tanner. JD is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret Mire Tanner; his 5 children: Margaret Ann Tanner Sanders (spouse, David Sanders), John Dave Tanner, Jr. (spouse, Donna Tanner), Elizabeth Marie Tanner, Paul Joseph Tanner, Cleveland Benton Joseph Tanner (spouse, Ronna Tanner); his 10 grandchildren: Margaret Amanda Sanders Watts (spouse, James Watts), Elizabeth Ann Sanders, David Benton Oliver Sanders (spouse, Hyunjeong Joo), John Anderson Tanner Sanders (spouse, Adolfo Hernandez Morales), Megan Tanner Burgett (spouse, Perry Burgett), Courtney Tanner Babin (spouse, Thor Babin), Rachel Tanner McDowell (spouse, Chris McDowell), Alyson Blair Tanner, Paul Joseph Tanner, Jr., James Harrison Tanner; his 18 great-grandchildren: Margaret Jane Watts, Edmond Michael Watts, Henry James Oliver Watts, David Joseph Watts, Helen Jihae Sanders, Emily Jiyul Sanders, Irene Jiseong Sanders, John Tanner Burgett, Paige Marie Burgett, William Brayden Burgett, Lola Claire Fourroux, Lena Cate Fourroux, Ryder Joseph Babin, Reese Elizabeth Babin, Bowen Christopher McDowell, Macklyn Rene McDowell, Kailee May Tanner, Bailee Ann Marie Butler; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1022 N Burnside Ave, Gonzales, Louisiana at 11:00 am August 18, 2023. Visitation will be at the church from 9:15 am to 11:00 am on August 18 with a rosary at 9:15 am. Burial will take place at Hope Haven Garden of Memory, 604 E Hwy 30, Gonzales, LA 70737. Graveside military honors will be provided by the United States Army. The family would like to extend special appreciation to Life Source Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to their father and grandfather. In Lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Louisiana Military Family Assistance (MFA) Fund (https://www.vetaffairs.la.gov/benefit/military-family-assistance-fund/) or a charity of your choice in his honor.
Jay was truly a wonderful man and father. I lived at the Tanner home several times in my life; I always felt welcomed and was accepted as a family member. Jay and Margaret had a home full of love and joy for their children, relatives and friends. Jay had a great sense of humor and enjoyed joking with everyone. I will always admire the love and affection Jay and Margaret had for each other. They were truly role models for their children. Jay was a father to be admired! He had three teenage boys at the same time and was obeyed and respected by them. He gave his two daughters a great deal of “daddy”attention. Jay often took his daughters to the dog trials with him; they were well versed in all the aspects of the events. They enjoyed the camping activities and meeting Jay’s friends and their hounds.
Jay was a great son-in-law! Mrs. Bea Mire (Margaret’s mother) lived with Margaret and Jay for many years. “Mrs. Bea” was a superior teacher and was well-known in the Ascension Parish school system. Jay was always loving, kind and considerate to Mrs. Bea; frequently, he made a point to include her in family decisions.
I was privileged to know Jay and Margaret as a couple. Jay’s humorous character and Margaret’s great loving personality complemented each other. This is one of the great blessings of my life. Love, Leah
Thank you Leah. This an absolutely beautiful and accurate depiction of Tanner family life. His absence from all of our lives will most certainly be felt for many years.
On behalf of the entire staff at Life Source Hospice, please accept our condolences on the loss of your loved one. Our hearts are moved with compassion for you and your family. May the peace and comfort of God be with you all during this time of bereavement.
Pastor Ray Smith
Bereavement Coordinator
Thank you so very much
It was a privilege helping to care for Mr John. Though our time was short together on hospice, I did get to spend time with John and Margaret before John became sick when they lived in the front of Francois Bend together. I always appreciated his caring smile and firm handshake. Even though many times he would confuse me with a young lady due to my long hair. In those times I got to experience Uncle flirt! Some of my favorite memories was watching him not only say how much he loved Margaret, but his actions and caring for her the best he knew how even in his dementia. On many occasions I would be visiting Margaret and John would be sitting at the end of her bed massaging her feet or laying beside her getting a morning snuggle. It’s not often I have witnessed two people that stay together for over 70 years with this kind of love and connection as a couple. Thank you John for your example of a loving husband and father. May God bless and keep you and your family.
Craig Schaap RN Lifesource
Thank you so much Craig. Your compassion and concern, along with the thoroughness with which you do your job, has made putting them in hospice care easier on our hearts. Mr J would often mistake me for a boy because of my short hair. When I’d tell him I was his daughter in law he’d say “with your hair that short?” Love and miss him dearly.
I will always cherish all the time we spent together at the farm. You have always and will forever be one of the greatest role models a person could ever have.
You will be greatly missed and will always be in my heart and memories.
Love you grandpa!
We love you Paul.
Uncle JD will be sorely missed. Loved his flirting with me, hence his nickname Uncle Flirt, his stories and his personality in general.
He touched lives of everyone he met.
Love ya Uncle Flirt!
Thank you Gaylen. We love you.