Cecil Wayne Tanner, 73, of Batson, Texas passed away February 8, 2026, in Houston, Texas. He was born August 5, 1952, in Kountze, Texas to Douglas Calvin Tanner and Velma Doris Cross.

Cecil was a long-time truck driver, he loved fishing, family, and his coffee. Aaron said “Dad loved getting me to do mechanic work on his vehicles. Especially if he could be there to supervise or critique everything I did. I loved him for that; it was our own little thing. Nicole remembers “Me and Daddy shared our love of Elvis movies and cooking, Patrick and Dad loved watching old Gunsmoke, Lorado, and Old Westerns. He loved teaching his grandkids to be the best catfisher ever, and to drink coffee with them. As long as it wasn’t sugar water! He loved tending his chickens and garden.
He was preceded in death by his wife Rowena “Sissie” Tanner, his parents Douglas and Doris Tanner, and his brothers Ricky Cross, and Claud “Buddy” Ashley.

Left to cherish his memory are his son Aaron Bear & wife Misty of Saratoga, Texas, his daughters; Nicole Sparks & husband Patrick of Pineland, Texas, Shelly Smith & husband James of New Boston, Texas, grandchildren; TJ, Emily, Hannah, Kaylie, Lamar, Abbie, Logan, Skyler, great grandchildren; Derek, Flynn, Oliver, Cullen, Maddy, and Oliver, his sisters; Carolynn Lewis & husband Tommy, Judy Hanks, and his sister in law Linda Ashley.

A Celebration of Cecil’s Life will be held 3:00pm Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Pace Funeral Home, 200 FM 350 North, Livingston, Texas with Pastor Bill Campbell officiating.

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