Roger TannerThies

Roger Elliot TannerThies died on September 23, 2022 at his home in Jefferson City, Mo. Roger was born in Scarsdale, N.Y. in 1933 to John Thies and Lillian Beatrice Drake. He had one older brother, Winthrop Thies, and two older sisters, Mary Thies and Rachel Hare-Mustin. Roger was a lifelong teacher and learner. He received a B.S. in biology from Bates College, an A.M. in medical sciences from Harvard and a PhD in neurophysiology from Rockefeller University. He taught at Washington University in St. Louis, Makerere Medical School in Kampala, Uganda and at The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center for 31 years. He also taught physiology at Hunan Medical University in Changsha, China and was a longtime substitute teacher at Blair Oaks High School. Roger and his wife of 24 years, Nancy TannerThies, did family meditation and held spiritual growth workshops together. He enjoyed beekeeping and gardening. Roger is survived by his wife, Nancy; four children, Eric Thies (Martha), David Thies (Sue), Curtis Tanner (Wendy), and Christina Tanner Dearman (Ben); six grandchildren; and numerous students who held him dear. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universal Fellowship, 1021 Northeast Dr. Jefferson City, Mo. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be given to either: Bates College, 2 Andrews Rd., Lewiston, ME 04240; or Ekklesia - Student Ministries, 626 E Grand St, Springfield, MO 65807. www.FreemanMortuary.com