David Merlynn Tanner

David Merlynn Tanner, 81, received a peaceful release from the many health challenges of the last years of his life on May 19, 2026, and he returned home to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He joins loved ones in a long-deserved and peaceful rest, as well. The philosopher Tagore describes it well: “Death is not extinquishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.” We know that this is true for David and that brings us peace as his family.

David was born on August 13, 1944, in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Merlynn and Martha Tanner. He grew up in Payson, the second of six children. David’s life was full of fun, lots of hard work, and many different activities with family and friends. He enjoyed horserides, the annual Uintas trip with his Dad and brothers, and the deer hunt was bigger than Christmas. Scouting and getting his Eagle Scout was a huge part of David’s life in Payson. He was a Student Body Officer and graduated with honors from Payson High School. He attended BYU before serving a 2 ½ year mission to the Netherlands and Belgium. He returned to BYU and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Just as David was beginning his CPA career, his draft deferments ran out and he was sent to Vietnam. David always said that his CPA business card saved his life, as he was in a foxhole on the front lines when he was transferred to the rear to get his unit through a messy audit for the Inspector General. He then stayed in the rear, managing 7 Service Clubs. Even in the rear, his life was spared several times. He often attributed his safe return to the fervent prayers of his mother.

When he returned, David went to the University of Utah to earn an MBA. Jobs for CPA’s were scarce as David graduated but he did find the one job, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He met his eternal companion, Jan Lupton, just as he arrived and she was being taught the Gospel and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. David and Jan always referred to the incredible miracle of divine postioning in each of their lives that brought them together. They were married in the Manti Temple in August of 1972. David and Jan began their marriage in Albuquerque, but they later moved to the Bountiful, Utah area, where they lived for over 50 years. They built a home on the Bountiful Bench and happily raised their family there- Julie, Emily, Amy, and Brian. After 45 years in their home, they moved off the hill and built a home in South Jordan, Utah, making a new life there. Once again, a miracle of diving positoning brought them to a place where they have been loved and supported and where they endured the trials of David’s many health challenges.

David worked for N.W. Pipeline and then The Williams Co. when they merged. He especially loved his time working to fund the Alaskan gas pipeline project, but it was never built. During his time as an Internal Auditor, David earned The Williams Co. President’s Award, pursuing restitution of overpaid taxes for several different Williams’ contracts and projects- a task that was well beyond his work responsibility. When he retired, David became the general contractor for building a beautiful cabin in Timber Lakes. It was a wonderful place of gathering for family and friends.

David lived life large- with excitement, enthusiasm, and with gusto! He made simple experiences exciting and fun and memorable, especially as a world traveler with Jan and with friends. Each trip was memorable- fun, funny, and filled with great experiences. He always loved a good bike ride with friends in places like the White Rim Trail or enjoying a great ski day on the slopes. One of David’s greatest joys was serving on the Board of Directors of N.W. Pipeline Credit Union and then Cyprus Credit Union. He contributed greatly during his 48 years of service. David was a voracious reader, gifted writer, life-long learner, and master teacher- at Salt Lake Community College, for professional organizations, and after substituting one week in the High Priests Quorum, that week turned into 12 years! Jan loved all the glowing reports of his Priesthood lessons over those years. David taught his peers, his friends, and his family so many great lessons over the years. David served as a docent and shared his love of Church History at the Church Museum of History and Art. It was great training for a mission at the Hill Cumorah Historic Sites in New York.

Serving as a missionary in the Church Historical Sites with Jan was a highlight of David’s life. He mentored Jan as she grew into her role as a Site Missionary and as she learned and loved Church History, as he did. Walking in the steps of Joseph Smith and his family and his associates, sharing his love for them, and his testimony was such a joy for David. Spending personal time in the Sacred Grove was a daily joy for him, as well. In addition to being a Site Missionary at the five Historic Sites, David’s special assignment was to join the Chamber of Commerce and the Wayne County Economic Support Group, and other community organizations. He became good friends with the merchants, as well as the Mayor of Palmyra, and he was often called upon to head up a project or service experience and he involved the Site Missionaries, as well. An additional blessing and joy of the mission was the opportunity for David and Jan to serve as ordinance workers in the Palmyra Temple. After returning from their mission, David and Jan served a 3-year Church Service Mission with LDS Family Services, helping Church leaders in Northern Utah and Southern Wyoming become familiar with the many services available to leaders to help those within their stewardship.

David’s greatest legacy is his family. He loved them, taught them, and supported them in their many activities- concerts, dance recitals, plays, school assemblies, games, and so many more. His children gave him the joy of grandchildren and the legacy of support and love continued- games, concerts, plays, and other activities. His greatest gift to Jan was becoming “Mr. Mom” for two and a half years while she went to school and earned her Nursing degree. It never would have been possible without David balancing two jobs- at work and at home- as well as being her biggest cheerleader and support when sometimes it was just too hard and she wanted to quit. It was a incredible gift of love. That’s who David was!

David is survived by his wife, Jan and his children- Julie (Lance) Olson, Emily (Brad) Hacking, Amy Omer, and Brian (Amy) Tanner. In addition, he is survived by 15 grandchildren and several spouses, and one great-grandchild. Surviving siblings are Barbara (Rulon) Gibson, Glen (Kay) Tanner, Marilyn (Michael) Hunt, Don (Kris) Tanner, and Gary Tanner.

Jan and family are most grateful to Hospice for Utah, especially Alissa and Archie, for providing loving and tender care for David, as well as for her and their family. They are also thankful for all the love and support they have received from family, and from neighbors and friends and Ward members in South Jordan and in Bountiful. You all have made this hard journey bearable and beautiful.

A viewing will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at the Country Crossing 3rd Ward, 3364 West 11400 South, South Jordan, Utah. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Canyon Estates Ward, 965 East Oakwood Drive, Bountiful, Utah, where a viewing will be held from 9:45-10:45 a.m., at the church prior to services. 

The Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at the Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah.