On Sunday, September 6, Scott County experienced an insufferable loss. An upstanding, pillar of the community, Clyde Bruce Tanner, passed away.
Tanner, 75, served as postmaster at both Parks and Mansfield. Customers knew Tanner by his smile and upbeat personality. “He was a laid back postmaster,” shared co-worker Richard Henson. “Everyone loved it when he came in. He was just a fun guy to be with!”
Betty Barnes, the current postmaster at Mansfield, noted how operationally efficient Tanner was. “You still had to do your job the right way,” added Henson. “But, he was so easy to work with!”
One thing Henson noted was the unique style of Tanner’s handwriting. “He had the best handwriting of any man I had ever seen! If he left me a note and I responded back, I was ashamed of my writing compared to his!”
Throughout his 35 years of postal service, Tanner was known for what some would dub as a photographic memory. “You could give him a last name and he could tell you what their box number was,” added Henson.
Tanner received multiple awards throughout his career with the United States Postal Service, including the National League of Postmasters’ Postmaster of the Year and Recruitment award.
Tanner graduated high school in Salina Kansas, and attended Kansas State University. In 1963, Tanner joined the United States Air Force, specializing in aerodynamics.
After retiring from the postal service, Tanner occupied his time doing what he enjoyed most, four wheeling, hunting, kayaking, tending his horses and raising chicken. Additionally, he volunteered his time as a first responder and as Chief at the Winfield Fire Department.
A tribute to his life would be incomplete without mention of those he treasured most, his family. This son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was the cornerstone of the Tanner family.
To say that Tanner will be missed is an understatement. However, his family, friends and those whose life he touched will forever cherish the memories and keep him close in their hearts.
