William “Bill” Lanning, 82, of Winnie, passed away on January 18, 2015, at Arboretum of Winnie Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Funeral services will be 11:00am, Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend John Warren. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.
Visitation will be from 4:00pm-8:00pm, Tuesday January 20th at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Born in Longview, Texas, on January 14, 1933, he was the son of Wilbert Gordon Lanning and Maribel (Thompson) Lanning. Bill worked at Market Basket for over twenty years and was one of the original members of the OCARC. He was also a huge West-Orange Stark fan.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Maribel Lanning and his brother, Richard Lanning.
He is survived by his brother, Robert Lanning and wife, Sylvia; nieces and nephews, Leighia Barron and husband, Richard, Bobby Lanning and wife, Mary Lou, Rebecca Owens, Mark Carr and wife, Cindy, Robert Lanning and wife, Sandy, Terry LeGrande and husband, Mark, Cindi Carr, Leigh Carr, and Carla Dunn and husband, Jonathon. He is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the OCARC, 905 West Park Avenue, Orange, TX 77630.
Condolences
Carolyn Pou
March 24, 2015
I grew up across the street from the Lannings and Bill. He was so kind and full of life. He would stand on his front lawn and when Orange police officers would pass by he would holler: "Hey, what's a penny made of?" (Then he would whisper to us: "dirty copper.") Daddy, my father, Charles Pou, would swap Christmas pranks. Daddy once packaged up all of the beer cans thrown in the yard and wrap them up for Bill to open at Christmas and then Bill would wrap up absolutely nothing boxed up and wrapped up again and again in larger boxes until there was nothing there. Leigha and Bobbie were always the best to him. He was always upbeat and happy--we could all benefit from his love of life and friends. I have such good memories of Bill, Bobbie, Leigha, Mrs. Lanning and Rabbit, friends and his special friend, Bonnie. He always had a girlfriend and was willing to give a hug or kiss. I will always remember and love you, Bill, Truly a dear and special friend. He never judged.....We can all learn that, at least, from his legacy. Love forever, Carolyn Pou
Barbara Riley
January 23, 2015
I worked with Bill in Beaumont and will always remember his daily afternoon arrival wearing his huge smile and blue baseball cap. His good moods and high energy levels were a joy to be around. My prayers and thoughts are with the family. Barbara Riley
Lill Bingham-Gray
January 22, 2015
I grow up in Orange and remember Bill fondly. My favorite memory - he used to call my dad "Garbage Can Bingham". I never knew why Bill called him that but it would make my dad laugh. This world has lost a ray of sunshine and heaven has gain. My prayers are you.
Bob & Lori Lindner
January 22, 2015
Our condolences to the Lanning family. Bill touched the lives of so many people in Orange throughout his life. Several generations in our family often share stories of Bill. He spread love and happiness throughout the community. Always a mainstay of West End Park. A baseball game wasn't the same without Bill in the stands!
Rusty
January 21, 2015
Sorry to hear and my condolences to the family. I remember Bill from an early age as I would ride my bike through the Roselawn neighborhood often. Bill would always love to talk whenever you stopped to visit. It seems like such a long time ago now, but I was glad to know Bill. He was a kind man and his presence will be missed in this world.
Claybar Funeral Home
January 20, 2015
Claybar Funeral Homes created a Tribute Video in memory of William "Bill" Lanning
James Fontenot
January 20, 2015
Robert and Mary Lou Janet and I's prayers are with yours. James Fontenot
Anita Lake
January 20, 2015
You could not have met a happier person than Bill. Always with a smile and a compliment. When he lived in Roselawn, I bet he went to hundreds of WOS games of any sport with my Dad, Curley Lindsey. Once he moved to Winnie, he would call Daddy to find out what the scores were. Heaven is a much brighter place now with Bill's presence. I hope he gives Moma and Daddy a hug for me. Rest in Peace Dear Friend and prayers and good thoughts to everyone touched by Bill's love.Anita Lindsey Lake
Anonymous
January 20, 2015
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of William "Bill" Lanning.
Claybar Funeral Home
January 20, 2015
112 files added to the album LifeTributes
Nathan Merritt
January 19, 2015
My deepest heartfelt condolences to all the family, friends, and loved ones of Bill. I pray God gives each of you strength and comfort today and in the days to follow.
Leighia Barron
January 19, 2015
1 file added to the album New Album Name