Tanner James Martin (age 29) of Pevely, MO passed away on the evening of April 16, 2026. He was surrounded by family and friends after fighting a courageous two-month battle with illness.
Tanner was born on August 28, 1996 in St. Louis, MO to Robert and Kathleen Martin. Tanner went to grade school at St. Joseph (Imperial), high school at St. Pius X, and college at Lewis and Clark where he played baseball.
An avid sports fan, Tanner played baseball, football, basketball, and dabbled in recreational volleyball throughout his life. Baseball was his true passion; he played for over 15 years, concluding his career as a shortstop at Lewis and Clark. He also enjoyed playing golf, bowling, pool, ping pong, and any type of competitive game. He took pride in winning and was a famously spirited competitor. He enjoyed cooking, quality time with his family, and hanging out with his friends, parents, sisters, and nephews. He loved his two cats, Eli and Eloise, and his dog nephew, Ronald. He also loved Blink-182, Angels & Airwaves, Supernatural, and The Office. He was a huge Cubs and Colts fan. His favorite players were Anthony Rizzo and Peyton Manning.
Tanner had the best and most unique sense of humor, and a gift for making people laugh. He was wonderful company, whether he was making light of serious situations or providing a comforting, silent presence. He was extremely kind, compassionate, and selfless, frequently helping strangers and dropping everything to support his family and friends.
He is survived by his parents, Robert and Kathleen Martin; sisters, Haley (Alex) Barnes and Morgan Martin; long-term partner and love of his life Hannah Romano; and his nephews, Oliver and Elliot Barnes, along with many cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Anna and James Martin and Audrey and Kenrick Hopkin; aunts, Krista Fadler and Rose Gayfield; and cousins, Jesse Martin and Jimmy Martin; and his cousin and best friend, Justin Kuenz.
Services: Funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 10am at St. Joseph Imperial, immediately followed by a celebration of life at the Corpus Christi Center, concluding at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation or ArchCity Defenders.
Tanner will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. “Go Cubs, Go!” #21 forever
My heart goes out to Tanner’s family. Although I was not acquainted with him, I know many members of his family. I will pray for peace and strength for them. May Tanner rest in peace.
I had the wonderful privilege of knowing & working w/ Tanner at the Hampton. He was such a great guy & his passing breaks my heart. May God give comfort & peace to his family.
I am so very sorry to see this news. I cannot imagine the heartbreak of all who loved him. Such a lovely tribute to what sounds like a wonderful person. Sending hugs and prayers that your memories of Tanner will bring smiles to your hearts over time.
Sorry to hear about the passing of Tanner. We was a great kid and eventually a awesome young man. I enjoyed coaching him and with his dad Rob back in the day with the JC Barnstormers..
He was a good athlete and always was a very coachable kid and took every piece of advise that I gave him to heart. He will greatly be missed by all. God bless to all his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all at this very difficult time.
Coach Bill
Hannah, we are so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers of comfort to you and Tanner‘s family.
I am so sorry to hear this! Nothing can console the broken hearts of parents and siblings with the loss of their boy. I will pray for your family. You are not alone in your grief, you have many parish friends that love you and support you in your sorrow. Many of us have buried our children and you have our most sincere and heartfelt condolences.
God comforts those who mourn.
I didn’t know Tanner but having lost a son myself I know how devastating it is and I want to offer my deepest condolences for his family.🙏
Tanner was my first hire at the Hampton Inn & Suites. He grew and became a General Manager and wrote me a personal letter stating how much he appreciated working with me. He will truly be missed, and I thank God that I got a chance to meet the only Cubs fan that I can called a friend and often referred to him as “Tan Man.” Prayers and condolences to his family.