Robert Earl "Bob" Tanner

Robert Earl Tanner: 1930 - 2024

Bob Tanner born September 5, 1930 in Hot Springs, S.Dak., passed peacefully October 30th with his family by his side. Bob was six years old when his parents moved to Wyoming, and the state filled his heart forevermore. He graduated from Newcastle High School in 1948, attended one year of college, then worked for Western Geophysical seismograph company for two years, where he traveled the western US and Canada—a wonderful experience for a very young man.

Bob was forever a patriot. In 1951 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps for three years, including a year in combat operations during the Korean conflict. Once a Marine, always a Marine! He was a member of the Wyoming National Guard for twelve years. He always doffed his hat at observances of national holidays, the flag, the Star-Spangled Banner.

Bob was a teacher and a businessman. following his military service, he returned to college, graduating in 1957, then moved to Casper, Wyoming, where he taught and was an administrator in the Casper school system for twelve years. He earned a master's degree from UW in 1960. In 1969 he left education and became a real estate agent, a profession he enjoyed for the next fifty years.

Bob was first and foremost a family man. On July 2, 1956 he married Jane Hunter of Ekalaka, Montana, and they became the parents of four children. His children were always his first consideration. He was immensely proud of them and supported all their interests and activities until the end of his life. Time spent with his daughter and sons on trips to visit the grandparents or quiet time at home playing cribbage were moments most cherished by Bob. Throughout his life, Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman, pastimes shared with his sons. Pheasant season meant dogs, early risings, breakfast with his boys. These are memories that do not fade for his sons.

He was athletic, participating in all sports in high school, playing on his college basketball team and, later in life, he enjoyed golf. For years he traveled the state officiating football and basketball games, and his first education jobs included coaching. Bob was an avid gardener and every spring carefully considered what to plant where. His practical nature said vegetables; flowers were left to someone else. Bob was also an excellent dancer. He and Jane were members of the Vive Le Joie dance club and the jazz festival in Sun Valley, Idaho, was, for many years a fall highlight. Travel with friends was a joy, be it road trips or a few cruises. In retirement he looked forward to attending Olli classes at Casper College, and always supported local artistic efforts. Serious injuries to his right leg contributed to some health challenges in his later years, which he met with his characteristic determination and optimism. His dancing days were over, but he walked!

Bob felt great responsibility to his community. He served on the Natrona County School Board in the early 1970's. He was for many years a loyal member of Morning Tour Toastmasters. A leader in the real estate community, he served as president of the Casper Board of Realtors, president of the Wyoming State Realtors, and twice was Wyoming Realtor of the Year. Bob also served as President of the Mills-Wardell water district, belonged to the Home Builders Association, and was a member of other local boards. He served two terms as representative in the Wyoming State Legislature. St. Mark's Episcopal Church was a center of his life. He taught Sunday School and was a Worship Leader; he served on the Vestry, and was twice Sr. Warden.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jane, three sons and daughters-in-law, Stuart (Daney), Eric (Cori), and Matt (Jenny), brother Francis, son-in-law, Rob Doane, seven grandsons, one granddaughter and six great- grandchildren, a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Paulann Doane, his parents, Earl and Minnie Tanner, brother Rolland and infant brothers, George and Glen.

Bob Tanner's family and friends will miss his ability to fathom a problem and then solve it. He could ever find a positive side. They will miss his energy, his sense of humor, his constant strength and loyalty and his honesty. Our world is less than it was.

This was truly a long life, well lived.

Funeral services will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 701 So. Wolcott, on November 8, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow at the Casper Country Club. Memorials may be sent to the Casper College Foundation for the Paulann Tanner Doane Right Track Scholarship, or St. Mark's Episcopal Church or another of the donor's choice.