Kevin Eric Tankard, lovingly known to many as “Tank,” passed away on May 23, 2026, at the age of 55.

  Kevin was born on February 11, 1971, in Salina, Kansas, to Fran Young-Tankard and Ronald Tankard. He was preceded in death by his mother, Fran Young-Tankard; his brothers, Marc Tankard and Frank Meinert; and his sister, Elaine Carter.

Kevin leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his father, Ronald Tankard of Eureka, Kansas; his children, Nicole Fairbanks and Gary Fairbanks of Colorado, Brandon Pellant of Columbia, Missouri, Bryant Tankard, Vivan Tankard, and Erin Jane “EJ” Tankard of Deland, Florida, and Dalton Palmer of Salina, Kansas.

He is also survived by his siblings Keith Cooper and Regina Cooper of Denver, Colorado, Tyran and Kristen Tankard of Salina, Kansas, Nathan Harvey of Salina, Kansas, Quentin Tankard of Wichita, Kansas, and Amber Smith of Mulvane, Kansas.

Kevin also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Mila Wallace, Briah Wallace, Cruz Wallace, and Niya, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

Kevin was a longtime member of St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained connected to his faith and community throughout the years.

A proud graduate of Salina South High School, Kevin was an exceptional athlete and student. He maintained honor roll status throughout high school while excelling in multiple sports. Kevin broke numerous school and state records in diving and also excelled in football, Tennis and  track, earning several awards and recognitions during his high school years. His academic and athletic accomplishments earned him several Division I scholarship opportunities within what was then known as the Big 8 Conference.

Toward the end of his high school career, Kevin’s accomplishments in diving earned him an invitation to attend an Olympic diving camp where he had the opportunity to train alongside legendary Olympic diver Greg Louganis and compete on a national level.

Kevin spent many years working in construction and labor.

He will be remembered for his infectious laugh and unmistakable smile that could light up a room whenever he walked in. Kevin always pushed those around him to be their absolute best, especially when it came to competition, sports, and life itself.

Most importantly, Kevin wanted to be remembered for his faith in God. He gave his life to Christ and often encouraged those around him to give their lives to the Lord as well. His faith remained an important part of who he was and the legacy he leaves behind.

Kevin will be remembered for his strength, personality, love for family, and the impact he made on everyone around him. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Allen Smith officiating. Food and fellowship will be served at the church immediately following the service.

A private burial will take place at a later date.