Charles Tanner, Jr., 87, of Winfield, Kansas, answered the invitation from his Lord and Savior Friday evening, May 18, 2018 at William Newton Hospital.

Born December 17, 1930 in Bradley, Oklahoma, he was the son of Aaron John and Zelma (Higgins) Tanner. He was raised and received his early education in Bradley and at the age of 12, moved with his mother to Fort Worth, Texas. He attended high school at Haney High School in Fort Worth, graduating in 1949. He then began working at Chance Vaught Aircraft in Dallas and attended Southern Methodist University in Forth Worth.

He married Barbara Grace Smith in 1952. To this union, three children were born and the couple later divorced. He joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country in the Korean War. After his honorable discharge from the service, he returned to Fort Worth and worked for the Spillman Brothers, helping to establish Pizza Inn Restaurants in Fort Worth and Arizona. In 1969, he worked as the bar manager for Holiday Inn in Irving, Texas.

Charles was united in marriage to Margaret Fahrig on February 29, 1973 in Oklahoma. Charles was instrumental in establishing the first Long John Silvers chain in Houston as well as beginning J.R.'s Coffee Shop in Winfield and the Garden Café in Rock, Kansas. In 1986, he began working security for Learjet. He remained there for over ten years, retiring as a lieutenant in 1996. He later returned to work in security, working for the Social Security Office in Winfield and Wichita as well as working at the Federal Building in Wichita, this time, retiring in 2006.

He was a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed tinkering with his lawn mowers, watching old westerns and war movies and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids.

His family includes his wife Margaret Tanner of Winfield; his son Blane Tanner and wife, Aleashia of Winfield; his step-daughter Melissa Renee Borden of Winfield; his step-son Steven Ray Borden of Fort Worth, TX; his brother Ronnie Dean Tanner and wife, Lou of Fort Worth, TX; and his four grandchildren, Matthew Rutan, AnnaBeth Marie Tanner, EmmaRose Riley Tanner, and Ethan Jacob Tanner.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by a daughter, Christy Lynn Gray and a grandson, Lance Matthew Gray.

Private family services will be held at a later date at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery. Miles Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

A memorial has been established in Charles' name for his grandchildren's education. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.