LANNING, Melvin Thomas "Tom" - b. November 23, 1934 - d. February 13, 2018

[patyrn]

Melvin Thomas Lanning, age 83, of Howard, Kansas, died February 13, 2018 at St. Luke's in Marion, Kansas.  He was born in Howard to Eugene and Hazel (VanBuskirk) Lanning on November 23, 1934.  He was one of eight children.

Tom graduated high school as Valedictorian of his class.  After high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and found a career there 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 of three children.

Tom retired from the Navy and moved back to Kansas to be near family.They moved to Hillsboro, Kansas where he opened Lannings' Furniture Refinishing and Repair.  He 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 one great-grandchild.

Tom is survived by his daughters, Cynthis Deutscher and Mike of Topeka, Kansas and LeeAnn Knaak and John of Hillsboro, Kansas; his son, Lawrence "Gene" Lanning and Traci of Marion, Kansas; brothers Larry Lanning of Howard, Kansas and Terry Lanning and wife, Rita of Coffeyville, Kansas; his sisters, Mary Wade and husband, Roy of Eureka, Kansas and Kathy Fouts and husband, Sam Fouts of Augusta, Kansas;  brother-in-law, Bob Clark of Howard, Kansas; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson;  and many, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces. and great-nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Hazel Lanning; his brother, Bill Lanning; and his sisters, Phyllis Friend and Wanda Clark.

Tom has been cremated with no services per his request.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  No memorials are requested.  Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)