Merv was born on August 5, 1919, to Valison Tanner and Harriet Douglas Tanner in Etna, Utah.His Brothers and Sisters are: Max Tanner, Eva Mortensen, Fern Hutchins, Fay Patterson and Monte Tanner.
He attended grade school in Grouse Creek, Utah, and graduated from Bear River High School. Merv was a WWII Veteran, serving in the European theatre in the Army Air corps.
Mervin and Lorna Tanner
He married Lorna Kimber Hatfield November 22, 1946. She passed away on May 12, 1966. Their children are Norma Jean Mecham, Claine Tanner, and Tammy Skenadore.
He then married Lavern Richardson Nelson on May 22, 1967 adding six more children to the family. They are Michel Nelson, Ilene Call, Cindy Griffin, Jeff Nelson, Gary Nelson, Rich Nelson.
LaVern and Mervin Tanner
Merv was an active member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he had held many positions including bishop. He and Lavern served an LDS mission in the Suva Fiji Mission. He was a talented man with professions ranging from schoolteacher to cattle rancher, to real estate agent, to security guard. He was also a deputy sheriff in Box Elder County.
Merv enjoyed writing and reading, leaving behind a very well written personal history and several novels/short stores. He was known for his great sense of humor and the ability to love everyone.
Merv, age 95, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 4, 2015, in Brigham City, Utah.He is buried in the Brigham City Cemetery with Military Honors.