SMETHPORT — Chester J. “Shay” Tanner II, 74, of Smethport passed away Tuesday (June 17, 2025) at his residence.

He was born Sept. 11, 1950, in Bradford, the son of Chester J. Sr. and Viola L. (Victor) Tanner. On Jan. 16, 1971, in Coryville, he married Sally A. Fowler, who survives.

Shay was a graduate of Smethport High School, class of 1968, and was employed with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation prior to his retirement. He also worked on the family farm all his life.

Along with the enjoyment of spending time with his family, he loved nothing more than spending his time in the woods or in any of his multiple pieces of farm equipment. He truly set an example of what it means to love others. He had a deep love for his Lord and Savior and shared that often with others.

In addition to his loving wife, Sally, he is survived by three sons, Chester J. “Chet” (Kristen) Tanner III and Eric (Erica) Tanner, both of Smethport, and Jason (Steph) Tanner of St. Marys; seven grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings Susan (James) Ludwig of Bradford and Chris (Robert) Butters of Marshburg; stepsiblings Connie (Norm) King, Sandra (Henry) Geyer and Gary (Carol) Eaton; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Shay was preceded in death by a daughter, Lisa Honey Tanner; and siblings Jim Watson, Mike Tanner, Viola “Pudge” Menefee and Sally Stiebinger.

Visitation will be held 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday (June 21, 2025) at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc., 2 Bank St., where funeral services will immediately follow with the Rev. Max Simms, pastor of Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in The Honey Bee Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are under direction of Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc. Online condolences may be made at hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.