Onnie Doyle Tanton, III

Onnie Doyle Tanton III, 43, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at his residence, in Sherwood, Arkansas. Onnie was born to Onnie Doyle Jr. and Polly Kaye Baxter Tanton in Galveston, Texas on February 8, 1981. Onnie's life was a testament to his passion for adventure, creativity, and family.

Onnie found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from fishing and hunting to spending quality time with his loved ones. He possessed a remarkable talent for drawing and tattooing, with a particular fondness for anime. Onnie had a deep appreciation for music and enjoyed the satisfaction of building and creating things with his hands.

Onnie was preceded in death by his grandfather, Onnie Doyle Tanton Sr. He is survived by his parents; sisters, Somer Smith and husband Greg of Mont Belvieu, Texas and Danni Ham of Texas City, Texas; brothers, Johnathan Tanton of Dayton, Texas,  William Tanton of Texas and Tyler Ham of El Campo, Texas; nieces and nephews, Makaela, Alyssa, Ashdon, Johnathon, Brayden and Tristen; grandmother, Martha Tanton of Liberty, Texas; his  devoted wife, Odetta Samantha Smith Tanton of Sherwood, Arkansas; son, Joseph Melder of Crosby, Texas;  stepchildren, Ashley Raggio of DeQuincy, Louisiana and Shawn Taylor of Bloomburg, Texas; and his beloved granddaughters, Rayleigh, Calli, Emily, and Aubry and a host of other loving family members and friends.

Onnie will be remembered for his immense kindness and generosity. He had a heart of gold and cared deeply for everyone around him. Onnie was the type of person who would give the shirt off his back, literally, without a second thought. His selflessness and compassion touched the lives of all who knew him. Additionally, Onnie’s infectious sense of humor and goofy nature brought joy and laughter to those around him. He had a unique ability to lighten any room with his antics and funny jokes. Onnie’s big ole heart and lighthearted spirit will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Honoring Onnie by serving as pallbearers will be Tyler Ham, Bryce Smith, Johnathon Tanton, Steven Murphy and Greg Smith

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10am until 12pm on March 20, 2024 in the chapel of Sterling Funeral Home, 602 N. Main St. in Dayton. A funeral service will follow at 12pm at the funeral home with Bro. Jeff Day Officiating.  A graveside service and committal will immediately follow at Hillside Cemetery in Liberty.

Condolences and memories can be shared online with the family by visiting www.SterlingFuneralHome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.