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The death of "Deacon" George R. Tanner, aged eighty years, at his home in Canon City on February 26, 1922, removes one of the pioneer business men of that city, one of its most highly respected citizens, a former mayor, Confederate veteran, and one of the pillars and patriarchs of the Baptist Church in Colorado.

George R. Tanner was born in Culpeper County, Va., September 25, 1841. In 1888 he came to Canon City from Camden, Mo., and resided there until his death. He served as mayor of the city and held many other positions of honor and responsibility. Comrade Tanner served in the Confederate army during the War between the States as a member of General Forrest's famous cavalry brigade. After the war he was a loyal supporter of the Stars and Stripes and always participated in the Memorial Day services here with the Union veterans.

He was perhaps the most widely known layman of the Baptist Church in Colorado, and at the time of his death was president emeritus of the State Baptist Convention, an honor conferred upon him in Denver last year. For thirty-four years he had been a member of the Southern Colorado Baptist Association, missing few, if any, of its sessions during that time, and he had held every office in the Association to which a layman was eligible.

Besides his wife, to whom he was married fifty-five years ago, he leaves one son and five daughters.