Dr. Lewis Tanner

Lewis William Tanner, M.D. passed away at 8:10 am on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at his home in Danville. He was born July 24, 1919 the son of Joseph Winter Tanner and Mary Coton Tanner. He married Megan James of Llanddewi Brefi, Wales, U.K. on June 26, 1943. She survives. Other survivors include five sons: James W. Tanner of Danville, David A. Tanner of Bloomington, IN, Joseph R. (Martha) Tanner of Houston, TX, Dr. John P. (Dana) Tanner of Kansas City, KS, and Thomas P. (Marty) Tanner of Cincinnati, OH; ten grandchildren: John W. of Danville, Stephen and Joseph of Keswick, Ontario, Canada, William and Matt of Houston, TX, Luke and Mary of Kansas City, KS, Scott, Sarah, and Andrew of Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Bill was a graduate of Garfield Grade School, and Danville High School. He served as a camp leader at the YMCA camp near Sidell, Illinois, as well as Bugler and Waterfront man for the Y camp, and the Scout Camp at Portland Arch. He also worked as a life guard at the I & I pool in Danville. He studied pre-med at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana for 3 years and then Medical School at the U. of I. in Chicago, graduating in December of 1943. Following an internship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, he was called to active duty with the Navy, which he had joined in December of 1941. Assigned to the Fleet Marine Force Pacific, he trained in Hawaii, became an Iwo Jima survivor, and served with the first occupation troops at Sasebo, Japan. Further service in the Palau Islands and Guam rounded out his overseas time, returning to the U. S. in the summer of 1946, for a year of training as a general resident at Grant Hospital in Chicago. He and his wife, Dr. Megan Tanner returned to Danville in December 1947. He became the Medical Officer for the developing Marine Corps Reserve Infantry Battalion in Danville and later, served in the same capacity for the Naval Reserve Training Center. He served the community as a Family Physician with a heavy emphasis on Obstetrics and General Surgery, was Director of the Family Practice Residency Training Center in Danville for 10 years and was Professor of Family Practice for the Medical School in Champaign - Urbana during that time. He was active in many capacities on the staffs of the two hospitals in Danville, including serving as President of the Staff at St. Elizabeth twice. He was the Secretary- Treasurer of the Vermilion County Medical Society for over 27 years, a member of the Cancer Clinic and Board, and a longtime participant in the School health and immunization program in the local and County Schools. He served as the primary physician and the Medical Director for the Danville Correctional Center from its inception through the next six years, during which time the department achieved Hospital Accreditation, a first for a prison health department. In the community, Dr. Bill served on the Boards of many organizations, including the former Men's Garden Club, The Boy Scout Council, was President of the YMCA Board during the years the concept of a Family YMCA was conceived and the funds raised and building completed. He served as General Fund Drive Chairman for the United Way for two years and also was President of the Board. He served many years on the Board for Community Research & Resources & Information for Seniors (CRIS), and was a trustee and an elder in the First Presbyterian Church, where he was a life long member. He was an active participant in many fund drives for the hospitals, the museum, the library and others. Dr. Bill was honored to be the recipient of the Danville First Citizen Award, and in Scouting received the Silver Beaver and the Silver Antelope Awards for activity in the local Council and the area. Dr. Bill enjoyed many activities, such as gardening, camping, swimming, travel, piloting his private plane, photography, reading, music and most of all, was proud of his family and their numerous accomplishments. He and wife, Megan, had five sons, all of whom became Eagle Scouts so they all had many happy years in the Scout program. Time with them seemed all too short. He was especially devoted to his dear wife, Megan. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Danville at 3 pm on Saturday, April 5, 2008 with the Drs. Reverends Jimmy and Katie Hopper officiating. Visitation will be held before the service from 12 to 3 pm at the church. In lieu of flowers it is requested memorials be gifted to First Presbyterian Church, the Prairielands Council of Boy Scouts, the YMCA, CRIS, the Danville Library, the Vermilion County Museum, or the charity of choice. Email condolences may be sent to Dr. Bills family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com. Sunsets Community & Life Tribute Center is handling arrangements.