O.L. "Shorty" Tanner

O.L. "Shorty" Tanner, 81, of West Fork, Arkansas passed away suddenly Sunday evening, April 23, 2017 at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Smith. Born April 24, 1935 to Oval and Ruth Karnes Tanner at Blackburn, Arkansas. Survived by his wife, May Tanner and two children: Daughter, LeAnn Moore (Tim) of Dallas, Texas and Son, Scott Tanner of West Fork. One sister Betty Weber Burchett of Miami, Oklahoma. Nieces, nephews and many, many friends. Preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Cecil and two sisters; Mary Jane Bartholomew Johnson and Marie Parker. "Shorty" began his work career as a lifeguard at Devil's Den State Park then moved to Chicago after graduating from West Fork High School. After Army Service on Hawaii, he held a variety of supervisory positions in the meat industry from Cleveland to Canton, Ohio including – Superior's Brand Meats at Massillon, Ohio before purchasing Ozark Custom Butchering at Woolsey, Arkansas. His retirement meant working only 5 days a week and provided more time for cows, grass mowing, cards, dinner with May and coffee with the boys every day at 3pm. He enjoyed life, his family and his friends of which there were many. A creative problem-solver, "Shorty" was a whole lot of fun to be around. His sudden departure has left us all at a loss. The family will receive friends at Beard's Funeral Chapel this Thursday, April 27th at 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to be made in Shorty's name to the American Heart Association or Washington Regional Hospital Cardiac Unit. A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m., April 28th at Beard's Chapel with Rev. Randy Burris officiating. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.