James Tanner

SIKESTON, Mo. -- James A. Tanner, 90, died Sunday, March 4, 2012, at his home in Sikeston.

He was born Dec. 26, 1921, in Portageville, Mo., to the late Benjamin and Lillie Mae Bodi Tanner. He worked as a carpenter more than 50 years. On June 20, 1942, in Sikeston, he married Martha Jane Stoner, who preceded him in death Dec. 17, 2003.

On Sept. 24, 1942, he was inducted into the U.S. Army. He served during World War II as a medic and litter bearer in Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland, Central Europe. During his tour of duty he was awarded four Bronze Stars, a Silver Star, a Purple Heart, a Good Conduct Medal, a European-African Middle Eastern Theatre lapel button and three overseas bars.

James was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Sikeston many years. He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3174, Disabled American Veterans Post 57, James Tanner AmVets Post 149, and Henry Meldrum American Legion Post 114.

Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Sue and Gerald Rogers of Sikeston, Betty and Jerry Hampton of Cape Girardeau, James and Peggy Thurman of Sikeston; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ben and Pranorm "Meow" Tanner of Sikeston, Mike and Lisa Tanner of Warner Robins, Ga.; a brother, Preston Tanner of Kingdom City, Ariz.; a sister, Rose Hill Baker of Dexter, Mo.; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

James also leaves behind many special extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by five brothers, Herschel Tanner, Otis Tanner, James Grace, Edgar Grace and Alvin Grace; two sisters, Samantha Thoman and Ester Caldwell; two grandchildren, James A. Hampton and Christina Rene Hampton; and a great-grandchild, Kassidy Anne Thurman.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Fellowship Baptist Church, where the funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday, with the Rev. Joe McCullough, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston, with full military honors provided by Missouri Military Honor Guard Unit.

Nunnelee Funeral Chapel of Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Missouri Veterans Home, 2400 Veterans Memorial Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.