Paul W. Tanner, formerly of Hobart, passed away April 9, 2014 at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Illinois. He was born December 2, 1948 in Rensselaer, IN and was a 1967 graduate of Hobart High School. Paul served as an MP and an RTO (Radio/Telephone Operator) in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam War, seeing combat from 1968-69. As a result of his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Bronze Star. Paul received a B.S. in English from Indiana University NW and later his Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. He experienced life to the fullest: he loved books and writing, was a motorcycle enthusiast, completed the Chicago marathon, learned to sail and scuba dive, enjoyed drawing and playing guitar, and traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, and Israel.

Paul is survived by his children: Sarah (Matthew) Dumbauld, Laura (Todd) Basich, and Paul Tanner; five granddaughters: Katherine, Claire, and Abigail Dumbauld, and Grace and Charlotte Basich; four siblings: Sheryl (James) Patton, Julia Pruitt, Joan (David) Goetzke, and John (Mary) Tanner; and many nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents: Paul and Doris (Reynolds) Tanner Sr.; his brother, Richard Tanner; his niece, Ruth Patton; and his nephew, Matthew Pruitt.

Special thanks for the care, kindness, and compassion of the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Spinal Cord Injury Unit (South) and the Intensive Care Unit of Hines VA Hospital. Funeral services will be private, but please consider donating in Paul's name to Paralyzed Veterans of America (www.pva.org).