John Joseph Tant

John Joseph Tant, 76, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at his home in Nevada, following a lengthy illness. John was born Nov. 28, 1945, in Wynona, Miss., to William Coleman and Lucy Adele (Martin) Tant. He was united in marriage to Maxine Francis on April 4, 1981, in Nevada, Mo., and she survives of the home.

John was raised in Mississippi and graduated from High School in Starkville. He began his career by attending a Bible College and was ordained as a Methodist Minister. John decided to continue his education by going back to college and attended Mississippi State where he obtained a degree in education. He worked as a guidance counselor in Charlotte, N.C., Ohio, and in Jasper, Mo., until his retirement. He also worked an additional 13 years at the Nevada State Hospital. Along with his wife Maxine, he has resided in Nevada for the past 41 years. John was a member of Life Church in Nevada. His favorite hobbies included golfing and gardening.

In addition to his wife Maxine, he is survived by three children, Debbie Ogle (Mark), Baton Rouge, La., Mark Francis (Lisa), Nevada, and Lisa Ellerman (Dave), Blue Springs, Mo.; nine grandchildren, Lara Leinen (Andy), Aaron Ogle (Peyton), Duncan Ogle, Matt Nielson, Jordan Nielson, Alex Francis, Benjamin Francis, Ashli Ellerman, and Bayli Ellerman; one brother, Jim Tant (Ann), Charlotte, N.C.; one sister, Lucy Harris, Louisville, Ky.; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Martin Tant, and Stanley Tant.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with the Rev. Lawrence Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Clintonville Cemetery in El Dorado Springs, Mo. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Tuesday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Life Church in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.