Pastor Tanner

TANNERRonald L. Pastor, a beloved Christian husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, age 83, passed through Heaven's gates on Wednesday, April 19, 2009. Ronald was married 62 years to his church sweetheart, Audrey (Johnson) Tanner and they both defined the word devotion. Theirs was truly a marriage made in Heaven. Ron was born October 12, 1925 in Gary, IN. He was drafted from high school into the Army and proudly served in the infantry in WWII, earning a Bronze Star for bravery. Upon the war's commencement, Ron then played trombone in the Army's 30th Special Service Company Orchestra. Marriage was next, followed by electronics school, the birth of twin daughters and Ron's first successful career, sole propietorship of Tanner T.V., in Merrillville, IN. For 18 years, Ron and Audrey worked side-by-side enthusiastically handling the many complexities of successful store ownership. During these same busy years, Ron was the faithful (volunteer ) Choir Director at Glen Park Church of the Nazarene in Gary, IN. In 1974, Ron and Audrey moved to Ohio to enter the full-time ministry at Springdale Church of the Nazarene - a wonderful legacy spanning 32 years where Ron held such positions as Minister of Music and Pastor of Prime Time, loving every minute of it. Ron retired only recently, at age 80. It is said that the purpose of life is to have a life of purpose. No one had a life more purposeful than Ron Tanner - a life devoted to serving God, family, and mankind. He thought no task too great, no goal unattainable, the "never-done-before" could certainly be done, and all always with masterful attention to detail. Serving brought him immense joy. And for all Ron's accomplishments, he never sought acknowledgment, attention or praise; he cared naught who got the credit. He was a very humble man who quietly did, while others stood by. He so evidently had the gift of listening and connecting with people, as everyone was Ron's friend! Ron's life contained enough service, devotion, and love for many lifetimes. Left to cherish fond memories are his loving wife, Audrey, daughters; Joy (Steve) Evilsizor and Jan (Garry) Morton, grandsons; Clint (Emily) Morton, Capt. Josh Evilsizor, Black Hawk helicopter pilot proudly serving our country in Iraq, and Justin (Emily) Evilsizor, granddaughters; Kara (Ryan) Shultz and Laura Morton, and great grandchildren; Isaac, Chloe, and Katie Morton, and Audrey, Spencer, and Caleb Shultz. Viewing on Sunday, April 19, 2009, 6-9 PM at Vorhis & Ryan Funeral Home, 11365 Springfield Pike, Springdale. Friends may also call Monday, April 20, 2009 from 10 AM until time of service at 11 AM at Springdale Church of the Nazarene, 11177 Springfield Pike, Springdale, with burial to follow.