Carl Wayne Tanner

Carl Wayne Tanner of Emporia passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. He was 67 years old.

Carl was born on August 8, 1958, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the son of Cecil Maurice Tanner and Marybob (Hedgecoke)Tanner.

He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1976 and came to Emporia State University where he was known for his skills on the basketball court and served as team captain. His coach, Ron Slaymaker, was like a second father to him. He continued to enjoy sports via city basketball leagues in Emporia and Burlington. He also spent many hours on the golf course with friends. In his younger days, he loved a good jog after a long day’s work.

Carl worked as a UPS driver for 35 years. He had an excellent work ethic. He never complained about the long hours on the route. The only thing he missed after retirement was the daily contact with customers that he grew to love in Lebo, Olpe, Madison and all points in between.

His later days were spent enjoying sports on TV, especially the Chiefs and the Celtics. He was a walking dictionary of sports Trivia, and his favorite holiday was the opening of the NFL season each year. Friends would call on Sunday mornings to ask who he “liked” in all the big games of the day. He also enjoyed time outdoors, whether fishing, mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, or watching the birds in their houses around the patio. Most of all, he loved his front porch where he could visit with neighbors or hand out a popsicle to all the neighborhood children who stopped by often.

Carl’s younger sisters remember him as “larger than life, full of charm and charisma”. He will also be remembered as an epic story teller. Whether the stories were true, or a bit sketchy, they always left you laughing. He worked hard and he played even harder, always living life on his own terms. Friends and neighbors could count on him to lend a helping hand when needed. The hardest thing for Carl was to accept help in return.

He is survived by his common law wife, Christine Turner of the home; sisters, Rebecca L. Tanner and Kimberly A. (Marty) Lee, both of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Rick and Jack Malone.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 8th, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a brief service at 3:00 p.m. at the Del5 Event Center in Emporia. Memorial contributions to The Eastside Community Group can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801. You can leave online condolences at www.robertsblue.com