Reverend Robert Tony Janner

Reverend Dr. Tony Janner

The Reverend Dr. Robert Tony Janner (West Tennessee Presbytery) died November 5, 2020, of COVID-19. Janner was semi-retired and doing supply preaching in the presbytery. He was about to embark on an interim pastorate for First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in McKenzie, Tennessee, where he previously served as pastor.

Tony Janner was born May 17, 1945, in Corsicana, Texas. In May 1960, he joined First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas. He attended Barry Elementary School in Barry, Texas, Mountain View Junior High in Culver City, California, Ranch High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Corsicana High School in Corsicana, Texas, before joining the United States Army in 1964 during the Vietnam era. He served in the infantry.

After leaving the army in 1967, Tony attended South Texas Junior College in Houston, Texas, Tarrant County Junior College in Fort Worth, Texas, and graduated from Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth. Tony also held an associate’s degree from Tarrant County Junior College in elementary education.

While in Houston, Tony was a member of River Oaks Cumberland Presbyterian Church, then in South Texas Presbytery. He taught junior high Sunday school. He was elected an elder at River Oaks in October 1969 and served on the session until 1972.

He married Oran, Missouri’s Mary Ann Holmes April 8, 1967. They had two children, Tracy and Markle Anthony.

Tony came under the care of South Texas Presbytery in 1970, was licensed March 27, 1971, and ordained by Madison Presbytery December 10, 1978. The Reverend Jack Barker preached the ordination service and delivered the charge. After ordination, Tony transferred briefly to Bartholomew Presbytery and then to Oklahoma Western Presbytery.

Tony held a master’s degree from Memphis Theological Seminary, and doctorates from MTS and San Francisco Theological Seminary.

Tony served Mission Ridge Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Arlington, Texas, Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Corinth, Mississippi, Camp Ground Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Hampton, Arkansas, and First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Oklahoma, before joining the United States Air Force as a chaplain in 1981 and being stationed in Gila Bend, Arizona.

Tony was a retired United States Air Force chaplain. He was vice chair of the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel.

“Everyone was a friend…and everyone got a hug. That’s what made him a great pastor and shepherd. It was who he was at his soul and it helped so many understand more about Christ.” – Rev. Garrett Burns