Tanner Compton

Tanner Handley Compton, 91, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away at home on May 27, 2020.

Tanner was born on August 8, 1928 in Louisa, Kentucky to William Tanner Compton and Monnie Handley Compton.  He had one sister, Rose Marie “Rosie” (Compton) Kuchta.

The family moved to Edwardsville, Illinois when Tanner was about 15.  He attended Edwardsville High School, Class of 1946.

Tanner joined the Army in October of 1946 and served in Korea until October of 1948 when he returned home as a Reservist.  He began classes at the Univ. of Illinois, switching to Bradley University in the spring of 1950.  Tanner met Marjorie Eileen Johnson of East Alton, Illinois in 1949. The couple planned a wedding for Christmas Eve 1950, but Tanner was recalled to the Army in October.  On December 12th, he was given leave and married Marge on December 15, 1950. Tanner left immediately for the Korean War to serve the remainder of his term.  Sgt. Compton was discharged on October 21, 1951.

Tanner returned to Bradley, graduating in January 1954.  He then went to work for a family friend and later became a partner in Blackmore & Glunt, Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri.  Tanner and Marge moved to Overland Park in 1960 where he opened a branch for the company.

Tanner is survived by son, Robert Compton and wife, Christine, of Overland Park, Kansas and his daughter, Patricia (Compton) Mader and husband, Jay, of Prairie Village, Kansas, and 5 Grandchildren: Lauren (Compton) Kelsh, Danielle Mader, Alexandra Compton, William Compton, and Rebecca Mader. Tanner is also survived by sister, Rosie (Compton) Kuchta, sister-in-law, Shirley (Johnson) McCune, niece, Chris Jones, and nephews, Doug McCune, Keith Kuchta and Brian Kuchta.

Tanner and Marge took many trips together for business and pleasure.  In 1969, they bought a house at Lake of the Ozarks that was enjoyed by many relatives and friends. He and Marge continued to travel until her diagnosis of MS in 1988.  Tanner retired in 1993.  After that, they spent most of their free time at the lake, entertaining friends and family until her passing in 2010.  Tanner kept going to the lake for several years with the kids and others. He loved boating and riding his wave runner.

Tanner’s other hobbies included woodworking, flying, collecting antique guns, restoring antique automobiles, and doing projects. One of Tanner's greatest joy was caring for family, friends and coworkers. He was always up for a good joke and will be remembered for his sense of humor.

Tanner and Marge were members of Bethany Lutheran Church. Tanner enjoyed the ‘coffee club’ with friends he met at church.

A graveside service for immediate family only will be held on May 30th at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Overland Park, KS.  Due to the pandemic, the family is postponing a memorial service until summertime.