David Fanner Jr.

“David “Dave” Fanner, Jr. died peacefully on January 3, 2022, with family at his side in Sacramento, California.

Mr. Fanner was born on June 17, 1932, in Cairo, Illinois to David Sr. and Lucy Ellen Fanner.

His family moved from Cairo to look for a more promising future in California. Dave Jr. attended Broderick Elementary 1944-46, Woodland High School 1947-50, Sacramento Junior College, and San Jose College 1952-55. In high school, Dave received the 1949 Jay Sehorn Award for football and was a member of the Sac-Joaquin Section Championship basketball team. After high school, Dave attended Sacramento Junior College where he played football and badminton. Most importantly, he met his future wife, Eva Tom, while working at Tony’s farm in 1951. On August 2, 1952, Dave and Eva were married (a marriage lasting over 68 years). In 1953, Dave received a scholarship to San Jose State University where he played football and was a member of the boxing team where he was a semifinalist in the NCAA boxing tournament After college, he returned to Sacramento as the owner of Fanner’s Custom Polish and Fanner’s Body Shop for over forty years where he developed many lasting friendships. The shop produced show cars and many classic car restorations.

Dave was most passionate and motivated by family.  He loved supporting and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, especially the athletic events. Dave particularly enjoyed celebrating birthdays, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter with his family.

Dave had an engaging personality, always attracting the attention of the crowd because he was gregarious, creative, energetic, and generous. He helped many family members and friends by being a counselor, supporter, motivator, and mentor.

He is survived by a large immediate and extended family, including his wife, Eva Fanner; children Cheryl Arceneaux (Eric), Belinda Patton (Marcus), Joyce Engbritson (Paul), Thomas Fanner, Michelle Fanner; grandchildren Jason Fanner, Nicole Palazzolo (Ben), Stephanie Haislet (Brandon), Sara Arceneaux, Lauren Engbritson, Joshua Patton, Nathan Patton, Ryan Patton; great-grandchildren Tamia Fanner, Hailey Fanner, Sophia Palazzolo, Penelope Rasanen, and Kiera Haislet, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Dave was the last survivor of his siblings.

Private services will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022.