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

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

Shay was a graduate of Smethport High School Class of 1968 and was employed with the PA Dept. 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, PA 

Seven grandchildren and great-grandchildren 

Siblings: Susan (James) Ludwig of Bradford and Chris (Robert) Butters of Marshburg 

Step siblings: 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; siblings, Jim Watson, Mike Tanner, Viola “Pudge” Menefee and Sally Stiebinger. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21, from 1-3PM and 5-7PM at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, where funeral services will begin at 7PM immediately after visitation, with the Rev. Max Simms, Pastor of the 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. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.