Thomas Edward Tann

September 9, 1918 - April 23, 2011

Thomas Edward Tann, 92, of Chardon, passed away April 23, 2011, at UHHS in Geauga.Born Sept. 9, 1918, in Detroit, Mich., he spent his younger years in Mentor before moving to Chardon when he was 16.He worked at Chardon Rubber Company, where he managed the Plastics Division and retired in 1981.Tom married Velma (Chapman) Dec. 28, 1941, in North Baltimore.He was an U.S. Army veteran serving during World War II. He was also a 1937 graduate of Chardon High School. Tom was an extraordinary athlete and participated in many sports. He was an avid runner into his early 70s. He wrote poetry and songs and had a very fine singing voice.He was dearly loved by his family. He enjoyed spending time with them and really enjoyed helping out whenever he could. Survivors are his wife, Velma of Chardon; daughters, Judy (Joe) Bolan of Chardon, Linda (Bob) Kangas of Montville, and Donna (John) Collier of Chardon; grandchildren, Joe (Cheryl) Bolan, Jr., Julie Bolan, Jill Pierman, Tom Kangas, Roger (Jackie) Kangas, Mike (Aimee) Kangas, Gregg (Rachel) Kangas, Matthew Kangas, Christopher (Celeste) Collier, and David (Jennifer) Collier; and 25 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Grace Tann; and sister, Anita Watson.A memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2011, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 110 Woodiebrook Road, Chardon, OH 44024.Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 28, 2011, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon, OH 44024. Burial will be at Chardon Municipal Cemetery.

Burr Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Light a candle Light a candle

Flowers & Gifts

Arrangements starting at $35

See Condolences

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful life, a beautiful family. Uncle Tom, we think of you often, sharing all those baseball games and other memories of a life well lived. Much love to Velma and the entire family. Love, Ken & Marilynne Bolek

Dear Family, We feel so fortunate to have seen Uncle Tom, Aunt Velma, Donna, Judy, & Linda when we visited Ohio in October 2007. It was a short, but wonderful visit. We were able to "tour" the Tann home, and everyone was able to see our two boys, David, Jr. & Jacob, for the first time. We had some (now treasured) photos taken of all of us together. Uncle Tom, like our Grandma Watson, was quite a character and so happy and had a spring in his step. We only wish we could have lived closer and spent more time with him... In his presence, it's time we all would have greatly enjoyed! We will keep our brief time with him tucked in our hearts to cherish always. Thank you for being such a great uncle, Uncle Tom. We love you. We send our love across the miles to you all. You are in our thoughts today- David, Christi, Davey, & Jacob

To my Dear Aunt Velma, my three Lovely Cousins and Family.We (Bill, Gloria, David & Vikki) send you our deepest sympathy for a great loss of the dear and loving man in your lifes.My Uncle Tom has always been one of the people in my life that I would look up to. Always respected and loved. Have many happy memories that will always be with me.One of the outstanding qualities that Tom possessed was his ability to put other people at ease and make them feel good about themselves. He also had many other great qualities that will always be remembered and missed by all. Everyone who knew Tom will never forget his endless sense of humor. Always a joy to be around.May all of us be able to quickly overcome our tears of grief, and become joyful knowing that Tom is in a much better place. Let us all be very greatful that God gave us the privilege to be a part of Thomas Edward Tann's life on Earth.

My condolences to all of Brother Tann's family. I remember him as a very sweet, gentle man who was always smiling. I hope to see him again very soon in the new system. May you find comfort in the assured hope of the resurrection. "â€œJehovah is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.â€ (Psalm 34:18)

Donna - I am very sorry for your loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Grandpa Tann-the most loving, patient, thoughtful Grandpa one could wish for. I have so many wonderful childhood memories because of him. He delivered wisdom with amazing wit. He was always first to lend a helping hand to his family and friends. He will be so missed by us all.

Gramps was the sweetest gentleman and an amazing great grandpa. I'm so happy that I have countless fond memories to pass on to my son. I love Gramps and will miss him always.

"I have so many wonderful memories of Uncle Tom, great visits there and here, I'll love and miss him always."

Hi Judy - I didn't know your dad but I just wanted to say so sorry for your loss. Hopefully it will be a short wait to see him again. Bennet

Tommy was (and is) a grand gentleman. It was a privilege to know him. He was a very special man and dearly loved by all who knew him. I know he is with Anita now and they are having a ball telling jokes to each other. When you think of those two you can't help but smile.

Dad was such a great guy. His smile and wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all of us.