Melvin Allen Tanner, departed this life on Monday, January 15, 2018. He was born December 24, 1960 to Melvin and Anna Tanner in Chicago, Illinois. He was the third of five children. Melvin attended Chicago Public Schools before moving to Covert, Michigan with his family in 1973. Melvin met Doretha Prewitt in 1980 in Covert, after which three children were born. He worked for South Haven Finishing, Duwell in Bangor, and most recently Walnut Grove in Covert. Melvin confessed Christ at an early age and attended church service in Covert and South Haven.
He is preceded in death by his father – Melvin Murray, grandparents, two nephews, and many aunts and uncles.
He leaves to mourn his mother – Anna Tanner Murray, three children – Casemiya, Taurean, and Cornelius (Tiffany) Tanner of Covert, Michigan, four brothers – Odell Tanner of Covert, Gregory Murray of Virginia, Rickey Murray of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Eugene (Shannon) Tanner of Benton Harbor, three sisters – Juanita Patton of Holland, Sharon (Andre) Massenburg of Houston, Texas, and Valerie Murray of Chicago, Illinois, aunts – Lillie Preston and Joyce Bailey and uncle – Arthur “Jack” Murray, special friend – Debra Jones. Ten grandchildren – Aaron, Nevaeh, Jaden, Kashara, Keniyah, Zacorious, Kobe, Lamarkus, Travion, and Harper all of Covert, and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive.
Wake will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the Gospel Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Covert. Funeral services will follow wake at 12:00 PM at the church with Bishop Andre Massenburg officiating. Melvin will be laid to rest at Covert Cemetery.