Terry L. Tanner, 79, Jasper

Terry L. Tanner, 79, of Jasper, passed away surrounded by family at 11:43 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in Jasper, Indiana.

Terry was born in Huntingburg on July 4, 1944, to William “Ben” and Marian “Fern” (Dearing) Tanner. 

He married his wife of 47 years, Jacqueline M. “Jackie” Schellenberger, on July 11, 1964, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Huntingburg. She preceded him in death on September 1, 2011.

He was a 1962 graduate of Huntingburg High School. 

Terry retired from the Dubois County Sheriff’s Department after 36 years of service. During that time, He was Chief Deputy Sheriff for 12 years and served three terms (12 years) as sheriff. He had also been president of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association.

Terry was a 30-year member of the Jasper Volunteer Fire Department and retired as Captain. He was a 50-year member of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighter’s Association District 18.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jasper, Indiana, the Fraternal Order of Police, Rotary Club of Dubois County, Dubois County Substance Abuse Council, the Jasper Jaycees, Jasper Moose, Dubois County CARES and the Dubois County Leukemia Association.

For his service, he received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from the Governor of Indiana and an award from the Jasper Jaycees.

He really enjoyed being involved in many community organizations, was an avid sports fan, and loved spending time with his family and especially his crew of friends at Dunkin’ Donuts.

He is survived by two daughters, Stacey (Steve) Lehman of Jasper and Emily (Kent) Brenneman of Newburgh; one son, Chris (Audrey) Tanner of Jasper; eight grandchildren, Chelsea (Willie) Welp, Caleb (Brenda) Lehman, and Keyla Lehman (boyfriend, Cameron Luther), Elizabeth (Clint) Breitweiser and Olivia (Nathan) Hill, and Bethany, Evan and Katie Brenneman, and two great-grandchildren, Tanner and Raeya Breitwieser.

Preceding him in death, besides his wife, are two brothers, Robert “Bob” and Jeffrey “Jeff” Tanner.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Terry L. Tanner will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jasper, Indiana, with entombment to follow in Fairview Cemetery in Jasper.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper, Indiana, and one hour before services from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the church on Monday. St. Joseph’s Parish will pray a rosary at 11:30 a.m. and the IFVA District 18 will hold a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Sunday.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Indiana Sherriff’s Association, or the Rotary Club of Dubois County.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.