Obituary of Stephen Tanner

Stephen DeVries Tanner, who lived his entire life in Morgantown and was dedicated to the community and West Virginia, died Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at Ruby Memorial Hospital surrounded by his entire family.He graduated from Morgantown High School in 1942. He was an officer in the U.S. Navy, and graduated from West Virginia University in 1947. He attended the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Business.He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1951. He served as President of the West Virginia Society of CPAs and was a life member. He received their Distinguished Service Award in 1984. He was named WVU College of Business and Economics Entrepreneur of the Year in 1987.He was a vital member of the community. He was a member of the Morgantown City Charter Board Morgantown Historic Landmark Commission Morgantown Parking Authority Salvation Army Board Morgantown High School Foundation Board founding member of Greater Morgantown Area Community Trust/Foundation Board Past-President of The Tree of Life Congregation Elected member of the WV State Republican Executive Committee and past chairman of the Monongalia County Republican Executive Committee WVU College of Creative Arts Visitors Committee West Virginia Holocaust Commission West Virginia Public Radio Board West Virginia Humanities Council.In 2008, he was named Morgantown Citizen of the Year and WVUâs Most Loyal West Virginian award. This January, he received the Earl Core Community Service Award from the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce. A passionate hobbyist, he loved fly-fishing, reading, cooking and the outdoors. He loved his family, friends and engaging connections to people.He was the proud son of Mabel DeVries and Louis Francis Tanner, and preceded in death by his brother, Douglas H. Tanner. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Rita Doppelt Tanner his children, Reed and Cindy Tanner, Lynn and Mario Oves, Seth and Ran Tanner, Lori and Jane Tanner his grandchildren, Adam and Sarah, Danielle and Alton, Lesley and Tim, Alexandra, David Bo, Marissa, John Tee his sister-in-law Annette Tanner Niece Bonnie Ruben, and nephews, Ross Ruben, and Marc and Darren Tanner and aunt Pearl Gordon. He was a good friend and confidant to many. Family graveside service was held at Oak Grove Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held in Stephenâs memory at the Waterfront Place Hotel on Friday, April 13 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Monongalia Arts Center, WVU College of Creative Arts, Tree of Life Congregation or a charity of your choice.