Thomas Lester Tanner was born May 8, 1888 to Valison Tanner Sr. and Amanda Morgan Barlow Tanner in Grouse Creek, Utah. He was the first born son from this union.

Thomas only lived for 3 days. He died May 11, 1888. His half siblings at the time of his death were Joseph Smith Barlow, Alice Ann Barlow, Mary Emily Barlow and Jesse Barlow.

The following siblings were born after Thomas: David Ralph, born on April 25, 1889, Valison Jr. born on June 12, 1891, and Olive, born on November 23, 1896.