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Larry Leroy Tanner, 82, of Tillamook, Oregon, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, at 1:53 PM, surrounded by his loved ones, with Bible verses being read and classic country music playing softly in the background.
Larry was born on April 8, 1943, in Hood River, Oregon, to Alvin and Virginia Tanner.
At age 10, he moved to Tillamook, where he spent the remainder of his life. He attended Tillamook High School, and at just 15 years old, he went to a Neah-Kah-Nie High School basketball game, where he spotted a cheerleader who would forever change his life—Babe Hester.
The two married on November 12, 1960, and shared over 64 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family.
Babe and Larry enjoyed four-wheeling in his Jeep and riding motorcycles together.
His family was the heart of his world. He never missed an opportunity to support his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their endeavors—especially at their sporting events.
Larry was known for his unmatched work ethic, resilience, and dedication.
He worked for his parents’ trucking business, did carpentry work, and later became vice president at Erickson Hardwood. He also drove log trucks for Fallon Logging, hay trucks for Wesler Farms, and owned and operated his own trucking business.
Larry was one of the founders and coaches of the Tillamook kids’ wrestling program and was honored with a Coach of the Year award for his dedication.
A man of deep conviction, Larry and his beloved wife were baptized together on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2003—a moment of spiritual significance that their family has always cherished.
Over the course of his life, he built his own home on 40 acres, maintained a thriving cattle farm, and worked tirelessly as a truck driver. He was also an avid cyclist who participated in numerous sanctioned rides and remained deeply active in his church community.
In his final days, Larry expressed how blessed he felt by his family’s love, and they, in turn, surrounded him with the same unwavering care.
Larry is survived by his wife, Babe Tanner, and four children: Debbie Cooley (Eric), Larry Joe Tanner (Lisa), Patsy Willhite (Albert), and Rob Tanner (Madeline).
He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Natasha Churchill (Cody), Trever Cooley (Kiana), Chelsey Bennett (Harv), Shelby Lind (Tieler), Blake Willhite (Amanda), Jake Willhite, Kellen Tanner, and Allison Tanner; Six great-grandchildren: Kamden and Easton Churchill, Sawyer and Piper Bennett, and Haylie and Jordynn Lewis; and his sister, Kathy Bellamy (Jim).
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Virginia Tanner, and his sister, Carol Hionis.
A celebration of life will be held on May 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Ocean Breeze Baptist Church, 2500 Neilsen Road, Tillamook, Oregon.
