Joe Tanner is intently working under the hood of a car at Whaley Auto Works in Mt. Pleasant. He is replacing a cooling line. What you wouldn’t know by observing is that Tanner, 52, is blind.
He does everything by feel. Also, in lesser degrees, he utilizes all senses, like smell, taste and hearing to do any kind of work that a mechanic with sight could do. And, according to Vegas Whaley, owner of the auto repair business, he does an excellent job, as good or better than a certified mechanic.
Tanner was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 10. His sight continued to deteriorate over the years until he became completely blind in 2006. He can see some light, if looking directly at a light source, but that’s about it. He doesn’t let it slow him down, though, and he likes to stay busy.
In fact, that’s why he checks in daily at Whaley Auto Works. It’s better than sitting at home. Tanner doesn’t get paid for his work. Vegas Whaley, is his former stepfather-in-law. Tanner likes to help him out, and Whaley appreciates it. On the office wall of the shop is a sign that says it all, “Attitude is Everything.”
Tanner doesn’t feel gifted, he’s just honored to be able to do what he does, and thankful that he can help out. He’s married to a wonderful woman named San Juana (Juanita), and has two adult step children and four grandchildren.
Tanner became interested in small engines as a child, then graduated to cars and trucks. When his parents were killed in 1969, he moved in with his grandparents in Cedar Bluff. In 1981 he went to Kirkwood Junior College in Cedar Rapids for auto mechanics. He met his wife to be in 1985, and was married in 1990.
They were living in a trailer in Cedar Bluff, when the flood of 2008 rolled through the Cedar Valley, destroying their home. Vegas Whaley lived in Mt. Pleasant, so they moved in with him. They now have their own home.
This winter, at Christmas, more misfortune struck. Tanner and his wife had gone to Texas for two months to visit his wife’s brothers. The trailer they were towing, with most of their possessions, was stolen. But once again, Tanner doesn’t let it slow him down. He still has his wife, and his abilities.
He can do any kind of mechanical work, from brakes, to rear ends, to motors and transmissions. He can unbolt and pull an engine by feel. Electrical plug-ins, because of their small, hidden buttons, give him the most problem.
Whaley is full of praise when it comes to Tanner. “It’s amazing what he can do. He’s very determined and will figure any problem out, one way or another. He’ll spend whatever time it takes to get something working. He also knows where every tool in this shop is, better than we do. He’s got the shop memorized.”
Tanner is also very polite. No matter who he’s talking to, he calls everyone either “sir” or “mam.”
It’s attitude. It’s all about attitude.
Have a good story? Call or text Curt Swarm in Mt. Pleasant at 319-217-0526 or email him at curtswarm@yahoo.com