Paul Eugene “Gene” Tanner, 84, of Elgin, a former civil engineer who helped build roads and bridges in his 30 years with the Illinois Department of Transportation, died of multiple strokes Tuesday, Jan. 7, in St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin. Born in Marion, Mr. Tanner moved to Elgin as a youth and graduated from Elgin High School in 1935. He held various jobs before joining the Army in 1941. Mr. Tanner earned three Bronze Stars while serving in the Pacific as well as the Purple Heart after he was wounded in combat on the island of Bougainville. He left the Army as a master sergeant in 1945. He kept in close contact with his fellow soldiers and organized annual reunions. “They were together for four years in the worst possible conditions,” said Patricia, his wife of 49 years. “They were like brothers.” Mr. Tanner received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1949 from the University of Missouri-Rolla and then began a long career with IDOT. Based in Elgin, Mr. Tanner oversaw the construction of roads and bridges in eight surrounding counties. After his retirement in the late 1970s, Mr. Tanner worked 10 more years, consulting on projects around the country for H.W. Lochner Inc., a Chicago engineering firm. As a 50-year member of the American Legion and former commander of the group’s Elgin post, Mr. Tanner helped organize community service projects, including annual spaghetti dinner fundraisers and holiday gift-giving for hospitalized veterans. He served in various volunteer positions at First Presbyterian Church in Elgin, including as treasurer. Other survivors include two daughters, Kathryn and Sharon; a son, Richard; and three grandchildren. A visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. Friday, with services at 1 p.m., in First Presbyterian Church, 240 Standish St., Elgin.
