Donnie Lee Tanner

Donnie Lee Tanner, of Hartford, was born on Aug. 28, 1937 in Bradford, Ark., the son of Carl and Madeline (Roberson) Tanner.

Donnie passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph, at the age of 84.

On April 15, 2000, Donnie was united in marriage to Oneeta Grimsley. He was a journeyman carpenter by trade. Being a godly man, he attended the Watervliet Community General Baptist Church, now the New Day Church in Watervliet, where he was an adult Sunday school teacher, and the Sunday school superintendent. He was known as Papa.

Donnie leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Oneeta “Cricket”; a son, David (Betty) Tanner of South Haven, two daughters: Kelly Tanner of Okeechobee, Fla., and Lisa (Mark) Clauser of Hartford; and another son, Cody Tanner of Hartford; a step-son, James Shaffer, and a step-daughter, Jennifer Shaffer both of Elkhart, Ind., and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other family members and friends.

Donnie was preceded in passing by his parents; and four brothers: Jimmy, Ray, Jerry and Bobby Tanner.

The family will welcome friends from noon-1 p.m. on Monday, June 13, at the New Day Church in Watervliet, where the celebration of life memorial service to honor Donnie’s memory will follow at 1 p.m. Pastor Scott Saylor will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the family. The Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford is assisting the Family with arrangements. Memorial condolences for the family can be left on our website at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.