Published on July 14, 2025 4:51 pm
Last Updated on July 14, 2025 4:51 pm
Eli Raymond Tanner, 15, of Charleston, Illinois passed away as a result of a UTV accident on July 10, 2025, at 2:57 p.m. in Hutton Township.
Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon on Thursday July 17th at the Salem United Methodist Church 450 County Road 1350 East Toledo, IL. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to service time at the church. Burial will follow at the Salem Cemetery.
Eli was born on October 23, 2009, in Mattoon, Illinois to Samantha (Blair) Tanner.
Survivors include his mother Samantha Tanner (Dustin Meinecke); siblings Lidiya Blair (Kreig Upton), Zane Tanner, and Adylan Tanner; step brothers Spencer and Drake Meinecke; grandparents Tom and Shelli Blair, Cherie (Matt) Huddlestun, Loren (Samantha) Tanner; great-grandma Teresa Houser; aunts Mackenzie (Chris) Upton, Laura (Phil) Humphreys, Mara Tanner, and Jada (Drew) Forest; uncle Jordan Blair (Ashley Evans); cousins Tinleigh Upton, Dean Upton, Bella Hildebrand, Mitchell Abernathy, Jonah Blair, Ethan Humphreys; nephew River Thomas.
Eli was preceded in death by great-grandpa Raymond “Bud” Houser; great-grandparents Cyrus Eugene Blair and Diane Blair; cousin Parker Upton; and brother Dylan Tanner.
Eli, lovingly known as “E” brought so much joy and laughter to those around him. His playful and goofy presence lit up every room that he entered. Eli’s personality was reflected in his bold, daring, and floppy hair style which often left his mom without her much needed hair supplies. Eli thrived on spending time with family and friends outdoors. He especially loved fishing for bluegill at the family pond or catfish on the river. E would have been a Sophomore at Charleston High School this fall. He found joy in shooting hoops with his brother, Zane and friends. His love and compassion for people and his willingness to lend a helping hand wherever needed have been a blessing to all those around him. Eli is safe in the arms of Jesus now and will be fiercely missed by all who know and love him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to his mother Samantha in care of Barkley Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 381 Greenup, IL 62428. Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com