In Memory of Robert James Tanner Jr.

Robert James Tanner Jr., beloved husband, father, educator, and veteran, passed away surrounded by the memories of a life marked by service, curiosity, humor, and dedication to others.

Robert was born to Robert and Ethel Tanner in Wilmington, Delaware, on November 21, 1945. He attended Conrad High School in Wilmington and later studied American history at the University of Maryland.

Robert went on to serve 20 years in the United States Air Force. His military career included service during the Vietnam War and later with Strategic Air Command. He flew both the KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft and the C-130 cargo plane. Through a clerical error, he was quite possibly the youngest pilot ever to fly a B-17.

While serving in the Air Force, Robert met his future wife, Donna Rieben, in the city of Rome, in Central New York.

Robert’s commitment to teaching and helping others was evident during his military service. He instructed personnel in his squadron about their missions and, as one former colleague remembered, taught them “how to be warriors.” Robert himself described another part of his role as translating “bureaucratese” into English. His ability to make complicated subjects understandable, combined with his love of learning, helped inspire his desire to become an educator after retiring from the Air Force.

After his military retirement, Robert and Donna moved to Bloomingdale, a suburb of Tampa, Florida. There, he became an elementary school teacher in Polk County, working with Alpha (gifted) students. He embraced teaching as an opportunity not only to educate but also to inspire curiosity and a love of learning.

Robert coached academic competitions, including A-Team and E-Team, and organized educational field trips that brought history and science to life. His students experienced camping trips to St. Augustine, where they explored the Castillo de San Marcos and other historic sites, visits to the Lakeland Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo, and excursions to John Pennekamp State Park.

History remained one of Robert’s greatest passions throughout his life, and he was nicknamed a "walking encyclopedia." He was also known for his wry and sardonic wit, a characteristic that made his observations memorable and often brought laughter to those around him.

Robert was an enthusiastic spectator of a variety of sports, particularly hockey and the Tampa Bay Lightning, as well as lacrosse, baseball, and football. He followed the University of Maryland teams. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing tennis and bowling and even took to the ski slopes.

Robert was also a devoted Pac-Man player, earning a reputation as something of a fiend for the classic arcade game.

His love of music was equally broad. His listening ranged from the Beatles and the Beach Boys to Yes, the Moody Blues, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Chicago, Peter, Paul and Mary, the Kingston Trio, the Chad Mitchell Trio, John Denver, and numerous jazz performers. His musical tastes, like his interests in history and sports, reflected a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for a wide variety of experiences.

Above all, Robert will be remembered for his intelligence, his service to his country, his dedication to teaching, his sharp sense of humor, and his ability to make learning an adventure. He leaves behind a legacy in the lives of the students he taught, the people he served alongside, and the family and friends who knew and loved him.

Robert was predeceased by his sister, Barbara “Bobbie” Messick. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and his son, John.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to AMVETS, in support of veterans and their families.