Michael Jerome Tanner

Mike was born June 18, 1978 in Kansas City, MO to Patricia Lindsay. He grew up and attended school in the Northland. Mike was a dedicated, hardworking husband and father. Even if his time on this earth was short, he lived his ambitions. He lived and loved fiercely.

Mike took his roll of husband and father very seriously. He faithfully took care of his wife and made sure to provide for her. He was well known in the community for his passion to be involved in the many sports activities his children, Jayden and Raelyn were involved in. He was sure to be present for and be his son’s biggest fan during baseball games and wrestling tournaments. He helped coach his daughter’s baseball team and assisted with her softball team. He also supported her in volleyball and gymnastics.

Mike was also a fierce, accomplished, and well-liked dirt track racer. He used his knowledge to teach, mentor, coach, and sponsor. Even after getting hurt in an accident in 2013 and not being able to race much himself, he focused his energy on creating his own racing team-Tanner Racing. His time both local and on the road with the racing family was his dream and he lived it well and touched many lives in the process.

Mike continued his love of helping others even after his passing by being an organ donor. He is preceded in death by his step father, Gary Lindsay. He is survived by his mother, Patricia Lindsay; wife, Crystal Tanner; son, Jayden Bears; and daughter, Raelyn Tanner.

Because one of his biggest passions was to be able to watch his own children find success in their many sports and his heart for helping other children get in and stay in sports, his family created the Finish Strong Foundation to help support young athletes continue in their sports when their families struggle financially due to illness, injury, death, or other traumatic live event.