Philip Warren Tanner

 Philip Warren Tanner, 86, of Sylvania flew to Heaven on September 6, 2023. Phil was born on November 13,1936 to parents Dr. Warren Tanner( DVM) and Myrdith ( Hartzell) Tanner in Van Wert, Ohio. As a child and teenager Phil developed his love of football early on by watching his beloved OSU Buckeyes with his father. He went on to play high school and then college football for BGSU. During his younger years he enjoyed accompanying his veterinarian father, Warren, on his numerous farm calls and visits to horse farms.
    Phil also loved serving his country as a member of the United States Air Force.  He was initially a drill instructor but eventually became a member of the Special Services, as an interpreter/decoder stationed in Okinawa.
    After his six years of service Phil attended BGSU where he graduated with his Bachelors, Masters, and Specialists degrees in Education. It was his love of learning and education that led him on his career with Toledo Public Schools. He began as a history teacher at Woodward High School and then went on to become a guidance counselor at Waite High School. He eventually became an assistant principal at East Toledo Junior High and finished his over 30-year career with TPS as a Hearing Officer.
    Although his educational career was cut short by a devastating illness, Phil was able to develop many other hobbies and interests. He received his certification as an American Sign Language interpreter and then went on to develop a passion for photography. He volunteered with the Metroparks and could be found giving tours of the Canal in Grand Rapids. He also enjoyed woodworking and was always gifting family and friends with his wooden treasures.
    However, Phil's greatest joy came from the time he spent with his family.  He loved spending time and traveling with the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Pam.  He also said that his daughters, Lynn and Marcia were his most cherished relationships and considered his niece, Celeste to be his third daughter.  He supported, encouraged, and was involved in every aspect of his daughters' lives. Phil loved with his entire being his 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
    We would like to thank the caring nurses, doctors, therapists, and chaplains at St. Vincent Hospital who took care of our father during this last leg of his journey. Their kindness and compassion were greatly appreciated during such a difficult time.
    Phil is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pam, his daughters Lynn( Jack) Henderman, Marcia (Timothy) VanDusen, niece Celeste (Jeff) Bunting, six grandchildren  Katelynn, Chase, Lauren, Logan, Haley, and Holly, and five great- grandchildren  Lilly, Jack, Lucy, Brock, and Brody.  
    The family will have a celebration of Phil's life on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 11-2:00 p.m.  at Reeb Funeral Home in Sylvania, Ohio. The family asks  any donations to be given to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Online condolences to

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