Robert was born October 14, 1926, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Noah William Tanner and Emily Snider Tanner. Robert is a World War II Veteran. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 8, 1944, was stationed in Frankfort Germany, and served until December 25, 1946. He then went on to graduate in 1949 from Indiana Technical College, Fort Wayne, Indiana, with a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for Brooks Construction Company 1949-1953 (Fort Wayne, IN) and Indiana & Michigan Electric Company (Fort Wayne, IN) 1953 until his retirement in 1987. He was President of the Sons of the American Revolution - Clearwater, Florida Chapter, volunteered at Morton Plant Hospital and St. Michaels Catholic Church both in Clearwater, Florida. He and his wife Jan loved to travel and have been completely "around the world". As an avid genealogist, he has done extensive research on both sides of the family tree.

He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 63 years, Janet Royer Tanner. As a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather his humor, wonderful stories, and words of advice will be cherished by his daughters, Joy Tanner Kaylos (Bruce Kaylos) and Jill Tanner Biltz. Grandchildren Carrie Kaylos Disser (Andrew Disser); Kelly Kaylos Taylor (Matt Taylor); Lisa Biltz Clayton (William Clayton); and Bradley Robert Biltz. Great-grandchildren Ava and Ian Taylor, great-granddaughter Kennedy Clayton, and step-great grandson Cameron Disser. His half-sister Sally Ann Pangborn Schreier (Leonard Schreier). He also leaves many wonderful brother/sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and only brother Mark Tanner. Service will be held at St. Catherine Catholic Church, Wake Forest, NC on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at 11am. Burial will be at the Salisbury National Cemetery in Salisbury, North Carolina at a later date. Memorial contributions for Robert F. Tanner can be made to: Transitions Life Care (Hospice) 250 Hospice Circle Raleigh, NC 27607