Dr. John Albert Tanner, PhD, 77, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, December 25, 2021, at his home in Arlington, Washington.
John was born on August 13, 1944, son of the late Catherine Maurice and Jack Tanner of Siler City, N.C. He attended Paul Braxton Elementary School, Jordan-Matthews High School, N.C. State University, George Washington University and Corbin University. John was an Engineering Manager and Research Engineer for 33 years at NASA Langley Research Center, Virginia. He was a nationally recognized industry leader and leading expert for the Space Shuttle Orbiter Program on Shuttle brakes, tires and landing gear. After retiring from NASA, John moved to Seattle, Washington, and worked for Boeing Commercial Airplanes as an engineering research leader for 10 years.
After retiring from Boeing, John earned a Masters of Divinity degree from Corban University, Salem, Oregon. His subsequent research, spanning more than 10 years, centered on the Nativity through astronomy, archeology, ancient scientific thought, three distinct calendar systems, and scriptures. He preached and taught in eight states, plus Canada and Austria; and he authored a yet-to-be-published book, “God’s Glory on Display: A Study of the Nativity through Science and Scripture.” John was passionate about helping God’s people recognize His sovereignty and His plans.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Maurice Tanner and brother William (Billy) Tanner.
He is survived by wife Cheri Tanner; son, Brian Tanner and wife Molly; daughters, Laura Tanner and husband Keith Taylor, Amberleigh Rodriguez and husband James, and Heather Tanner and husband Case; his sisters Carolyn Clark and husband Tom, Patty Poole and husband Russell, and Jackie Griffin and husband Bub; his sister-in-law, Maria Tanner; nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
A family remembrance was held January 2, 2022, and a Celebration of Life service will be held on a Pacific Northwest beach in the late spring or summer.
Memorials may be made through GoshenMinistries.org/donate or by mailing a contribution directly to Goshen Ministries, P.O. Box 32032, Tucson, AZ 85751.
Online condolences may be made to jgrif20@gmail.com