Ralph M. Tanner

Memorial services for Ralph M. Tanner, 89, Baldwin City, will be held at 1:00 p.m. December 22, 2016 at First United Methodist Church in Baldwin City. He passed away Thursday, November 24, 2016 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Ralph was born December 10, 1926 in Jefferson County, Alabama the son of Claude Melvis and Alma Louise (Camp) Tanner.
He was an active member of his community, serving in many different capacities including the Kansas Independent College Fund, The Board of Higher Education with the United Methodist Church, Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association Board, and the Baldwin State Bank Board.
He was a lifelong educator and was proud to have been President at his alma mater, Birmingham-Southern College, as well as Baker University. He served two terms in the Kansas House of Representatives, chairing the Education Committee while there. Tanner was an avid gardener, loved listening to classical music, watching Alabama football, playing golf, and meeting with his Wednesday morning men’s coffee group. He was a friend and respected mentor to many.
He married Judith Berry Tanner August 27, 1960 in Birmingham, Alabama. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include his son, Clay Tanner, Memphis, TN; daughter Susanne Smith (Mark), Wichita, KS, Caroline Tanner, Baldwin City, KS; four grandchildren, Mark Smith, Jr. (Taylor), Goldsboro, NC; Emily Anno (Darren) Lincoln, NE; Olivia Smith, Wichita, KS; Hannah Smith, Tulsa. OK; one great-granddaughter, Sarah Jane Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Claudine Phillips.
Memorials may be made in his name to Baldwin First United Methodist Church or to a scholarship established in his name at Baker University.