J.O. Tanner

J.O. Tanner was born in Schertz, Texas January 25, 1931, to James Othella and Della Arrington Tanner. He spent his youth in Pettus, Texas before moving with his family to the family farm, in Albert, Texas. J.O., known as “Boy Tanner” graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1948 and married his high school sweetheart, Betty Crittenden, on June 11, 1949, and they were happily married for over 64 years. J.O. spent most of his career in law enforcement, joining DPS in 1954. He was stationed in Lampasas as sergeant in 1962 and lived here until 1974, when he made lieutenant and was transferred to Midland. Upon retiring, J.O. received the Special Texas Ranger plaque, which was given for serving with distinction. Upon retiring from the DPS, J.O. and Betty returned to Lampasas and J.O. became the Chief of Police in Lampasas on January 4, 1982 and went on to be the City Manager in July of 1989 until he retired in February of 1992. J.O. is survived by his wife, Betty, daughters, Sandra Sparkman and husband, Rick Sparkman and Kathy Hunt and husband, Darrel Hunt and son, Leslie Tanner and wife, Rhonda Tanner, grandchildren, Wade Sparkman and wife, Kerri, Andy Sparkman and wife, Julie, Jill Yonnone and husband Pat Yonnone, Colton and Sarah Tanner, Tami Schroeder and husband, Jimmy and Kevin Hunt, as well as many great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Larry Tanner of Albert, Texas. The service will be held on Monday, March 18, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Sneed Funeral Chapel in Lampasas. Visitation will be Monday March 18, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to: Lampasas Mission 910 E. 4th Street Lampasas, Texas 76550 Sneed Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements