Feb. 5, 1946 — Nov. 21, 2014

Leo Melvin Tanner, 68, of Cassopolis, passed peacefully in his home on Friday, November 21, 2014.

Leo was born February 5, 1946 in Hart, Michigan to Frank and Lorna (Frase) Tanner. He was preceded in death by his parents; one wife, Donna Jean Long Tanner; one granddaughter, Lillianna Byron; and one brother, Arlo Tanner.

Leo was hands on, showing and teaching his children. He was a machinist and woodworker, able to make anything out of metal or wood. Leo would never say a bad word about anyone, regardless of how angry he was. All his children and grandchildren looked up to him. Leo was very generous, never saying no to anyone and always willing to give the shirt off his back, whether to family, friends, or coworkers.

Leo will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his former wife, and the mother of his children, Betty Ann (Long) Tanner of Arizona; two daughters, Leannette (John) Potter of Honor, Leanna (Dwayne Lipponen) VanHorn of Cassopolis; three sons, Nick (Lisa Mae) Tanner of Manistee, Leo Tanner of Cassopolis, Anthony Tanner of Honor; seventeen grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two brothers, Sam Tanner of Thompsonville, Leroy (Marilyn) Tanner of Niles; his beloved pet, Dinah; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Tanner’s remains will be laid to rest in a private family service in Springdale Cemetery in Thompsonville, Michigan.

The family prefers contributions be made in Leo’s memory to Springdale Bible Church, 12861 Springdale Road, Thompsonville, Michigan 49683.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.