Albert Gene Tanner

Albert Tanner of Norfolk, Virginia, died peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2015.

Born in Somerset/San Antonio, Texas, October 21, 1928, he was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He lived in several Texas cities and towns, including Houston for many years. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Martha Perry Tanner.

Dad was a devoted Christian and worked in the church for many years. He taught Sunday School and headed up the kitchen at Houston Gospel Assembly for several years. Dad loved music. He was part of a gospel bluegrass group in Houston and played in church for many years. He loved to sing! He was a China Marine, serving in WW II, and in the Army, serving in Korea. Later, he worked for the Veterans Administration for over 30 years. He and his wife, Martha, traveled together with their family around the country as he was promoted with the VA. He loved US history as well as studying and teaching the Old Testament. He loved to laugh and always enjoyed the company of his friends. He absolutely loved and adored his family. He made them a priority with reunions, vacations and many visits. Family was the joy of his life!

He is survived by his daughters Joy Lynn Lewis and husband Stephen; Jeannie Tanner and life partner Susan Lawrence; Annie Akers and husband Matthew; grandson Daniel Lewis and wife Bridget; grandson Aaron Lewis and wife Maritza; granddaughter Anna Vanderbom and husband William; grandson William Oliver and seven great grandchildren: Tripp & Jake Lewis, Genesis Lewis, Eva, Liam & Cohen Vanderbom and Alice Mae Oliver; sister-in-law, Leota Varner; brother-in-law, Billy Perry Etta; brother-in-law, Weldon Bollier; brother-in-law, Mickey Perry Marie; brother-in-law, Sam Perry Janet and brother-in-law, Charles Perry Patsy.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents Robert Lynn and Rosina Avanell Finch Tanner. Sisters: twins, Amy Leigh and Ava Lynn; Clara Davis; Odessa Sembera; and brothers; Rollie, Clive, Lovis, and Charles Tanner. Sister-in-laws Sandra Bollier, Alma Eddings and Wanda Perry and granddaughter Jessica Elizabeth Lewis.

A visitation will be held from 6pm-8pm, Tuesday, March 24th and Wednesday, March 25th, 1pm-2pm at East Coast Gospel Lighthouse, 5747 Sellger Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502. Funeral service will be held at 2pm, Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at East Coast Gospel Lighthouse. Altmeyer Funeral Home is handling local arrangements.
In Texas a visitation will be held from 5pm-8pm Monday, March 30, 2015 at Rosewood Funeral Home, 2602 S. Houston Avenue, Humble, Texas 73396. Funeral service will be held at 11am on Tuesday March 31, 2015 at Tomball Gospel Assembly, 14615 Fm 2920 Rd, Tomball, Texas 77377. Internment will follow at Houston National Cemetery.