Douglas Kent Tanner – 6 November 1943

Doug was born on November 6, 1943, in Ogden, Utah to Delbert E. Tanner and Mary Ella Betteridge Tanner. His brothers and sisters are Merlin Keith, Gordon, William and Carole. He grew up in Grouse Creek, Utah and graduated from Bountiful High School in 1961, then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Buenos Aires, Argentina. While in Argentina, he learned to speak Spanish, a language he continued to use and practice throughout his life. He briefly attended Brigham Young University before being drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he attained the rank of sergeant and received a Bronze Star Medal.

After his military service, Doug married the love of his life, Kathleen Mecham Tanner, on January 11, 1969. He adopted Kathy’s two daughters, Donna and DeAnn, and the couple had seven more children together. They are: Amy, Angie, Trisha Ann, Toni, Tami, Tom, and Tallia.

Doug and Kathy loved one another deeply and were rarely apart. They exemplified a healthy, beautiful marriage with their respect and dedication to one another. Doug was also a devoted father who taught his children the value of hard work and the importance of family through his own actions.

Doug was a skilled rancher who loved nothing more than to be on one of his favorite horses working cattle, and he was able to use his talents to provide for his family throughout his life. He managed several ranches in southeastern Idaho and northwestern Utah. After retiring from ranching, he and Kathy moved to Malta, Idaho, where he worked various part-time jobs that allowed him to continue interacting with others and contributing to the community. Doug and Kathy also resided in Albion and Burley, Idaho before settling in Holbrook, Idaho for the remainder of their lives. Doug’s warmth and sense of humor helped him to befriend people wherever he went, and he left a lasting impact on those who knew him.

Doug Tanner-Hughie Thompson-Merlin Tanner-Winfred Kimber-Archie Toyn-1975

Doug was a bright light and a wonderful example to his friends and family. He always had a joke or a funny story to tell, and he seemed to know a little about everything. He was a captivating speaker and spoke at many events. He enjoyed being the MC at the Grouse Creek 4th of July program and an announcer at the rodeo. His life experiences gave him boundless wisdom to share, and he would often go out of his way to help others. No one could have a conversation with Doug and not feel better for it. He was always very proud of his posterity and left behind a great legacy. He is loved and missed by those who knew him, but the profound influence he has had on our lives will forever be a blessing.

Douglas Kent Tanner, age 78, returned to his heavenly home on Friday, January 28th, 2022, after unexpected health complications (Covid).

The funeral was held in Grouse Creek on Saturday, February 12, 2022, and he will be laid to rest in the Grouse Creek cemetery.