John Dave “Jd” Tanner, Sr.

John Dave (JD) Tanner, Sr., Foxhunter Extraordinaire and a Hell of a Good Fella!, was born March 19, 1933 in Prairieville, Louisiana to Willis Harrison Tanner and Nettie Elizabeth Tanner nee Anderson. JD passed away August 11, 2023 at Francios Bend Senior Living in Gonzales, Louisiana at 90 years old. JD grew up the eighth of nine children tilling fields with a horse and milking the family cow. He often took the corn they grew to be ground and would run to the closest grocery store barefooted to get whatever his momma needed. Since he was a young boy, JD loved to hunt and often told stories of his adventures as a young boy growing up and hunting with his uncles. JD attended Dutchtown High School where he played 6 man football and met the love of his life, Margaret Mire Tanner. Due to the Korean War, JD left high school and joined the army. He and Margaret got married September 27, 1952, when he was 19 and she was 17. While serving in the military, he earned his GED. After he was discharged, he worked various jobs including working in the oil fields, moving houses, owning a garage, driving a truck, owning a hauling business, and acting as Ascension Parish Manager. However, his favorite job was being a father to his five children, Margaret, John, Elizabeth, Paul, and Cleve. He was an avid foxhunter and loved his dogs. He spent many hours running his dogs with his children and friends. JD would often cook a jambalaya as many men sat around and listened to his many tales. Shooting the bull was one of his favorite pastimes, and he was never at a loss for words. JD was always joyful and welcoming. He not only cared for his family and friends, but also complete strangers. He loved to help people and was a man that would give you the shirt off his back. He would provide food, health supplies, and donate blood without a thought and with a smile. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his father, Willis Harison Tanner, mother, Nettie Elizabeth Anderson Tanner and siblings: Athen Sydney Jack Tanner, Milton Tanner, Verna Tanner Wells, Mamie Vina Tanner Lobianco, Addie Mae Tanner Martina, Willis Harrison Tanner, Jr, Alve Ruby Tanner Vicknair, and Thurman Joseph Tanner. JD is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret Mire Tanner; his 5 children: Margaret Ann Tanner Sanders (spouse, David Sanders), John Dave Tanner, Jr. (spouse, Donna Tanner), Elizabeth Marie Tanner, Paul Joseph Tanner, Cleveland Benton Joseph Tanner (spouse, Ronna Tanner); his 10 grandchildren: Margaret Amanda Sanders Watts (spouse, James Watts), Elizabeth Ann Sanders, David Benton Oliver Sanders (spouse, Hyunjeong Joo), John Anderson Tanner Sanders (spouse, Adolfo Hernandez Morales), Megan Tanner Burgett (spouse, Perry Burgett), Courtney Tanner Babin (spouse, Thor Babin), Rachel Tanner McDowell (spouse, Chris McDowell), Alyson Blair Tanner, Paul Joseph Tanner, Jr., James Harrison Tanner; his 18 great-grandchildren: Margaret Jane Watts, Edmond Michael Watts, Henry James Oliver Watts, David Joseph Watts, Helen Jihae Sanders, Emily Jiyul Sanders, Irene Jiseong Sanders, John Tanner Burgett, Paige Marie Burgett, William Brayden Burgett, Lola Claire Fourroux, Lena Cate Fourroux, Ryder Joseph Babin, Reese Elizabeth Babin, Bowen Christopher McDowell, Macklyn Rene McDowell, Kailee May Tanner, Bailee Ann Marie Butler; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1022 N Burnside Ave, Gonzales, Louisiana at 11:00 am August 18, 2023. Visitation will be at the church from 9:15 am to 11:00 am on August 18 with a rosary at 9:15 am. Burial will take place at Hope Haven Garden of Memory, 604 E Hwy 30, Gonzales, LA 70737. Graveside military honors will be provided by the United States Army. The family would like to extend special appreciation to Life Source Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to their father and grandfather. In Lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Louisiana Military Family Assistance (MFA) Fund (https://www.vetaffairs.la.gov/benefit/military-family-assistance-fund/) or a charity of your choice in his honor.