Melvin Thomas Lanning's Obituary
Melvin Thomas Lanning, age 83 of Howard, died Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at St. Luke’s in Marion, Kansas. Melvin was born in Howard, Kansas to Eugene and Hazel (VanBuskirk) Lanning on November 23, 1934. He was one of eight children.
He graduated High School as Valedictorian of his class. After High School graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He found a career in the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer and Meteorologist.
On leave he met and married JoAnn Heusner. After traveling the world he settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was there they began their family. The couple had three children.
Tom retired from the Navy and moved back to Kansas to be near family. They moved to Hillsboro where he opened Lanning’s Furniture Refinishing and Repair.
Tom was an avid reader, loved antiquing, and enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger days. The light of his life were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his father Eugene Lanning and mother, Hazel Lanning both of Howard, one brother, Bill Lanning of Howard, two sisters, Phyllis Friend of Elk Falls, and Wanda Clark of Howard.
He is survived by brothers Larry Lanning of Howard, Terry Lanning and wife Rita of Coffeyville, two sisters, Mary Wade and Roy of Eureka, Kathy Fouts and Sam of Augusta, brother-in-law Bob Clark of Howard, and many, many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his children, daughter Cynthia Deutscher and Mike of Topeka, son Lawrence ”Gene” Lanning and Traci of Marion, and daughter LeaAnn Knaak and John of Hillsboro.
He also leaves behind grandson, Dylan Frantz and Emile of Inman, granddaughter Madysen Frantz of Stillwater, Oklahoma, granddaughter Payton Deutscher of Overland Park, grandsons Luke, Seth and Jack Lanning of Marion, granddaughter Tiffany Funk and Jason of Hillsboro, granddaughter Brooke Knaak of Newton, and one great-grandson Maddex Frantz.
Melvin has been cremated with no services per his request. Online condolences can be left at www.countrysidefh.com. No memorials are requested. Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral, 206 East Washington, P.O. Box 1233, Howard, Kansas 67349.
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