CHARLESTON, IL – Paul Edward Lanman, age 79 of Charleston, passed away in the comfort of his home on Sunday, October 28, 2012. Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 11:00 – Noon at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. A Memorial Service honoring and celebrating his life will begin at Noon with Military Services to be conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592. It is requested that memorial gifts in his honor be made to Charleston Community Theater, Charleston Alley Theatre, Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 or to the Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.
Paul was born on December 25, 1932 in Morgan Township, Coles County, Illinois and was the youngest of twelve children born to the late Andrew and Gladys (Daugherty) Lanman. Paul is survived by his four children, Gregory Paul Lanman and wife Dr. Kathie Lanman of Peach Tree City, Georgia, Adriann Lanman of Champaign, Illinois, Eric Lanman of Southside, Alabama and Sean Lanman of Rome, Georgia; two granddaughters, Joan Marie Lanman and Cora Jane Lanman, both of Peach Tree City; two brothers, Bob Lanman and wife Dorothy and Jim Lanman and wife Marge, all of Charleston; two sisters, Neva Cutri of Cathedral City, California and Imogene McClanahan of Charleston; a sister-in-law, Wilma Lanman of LaVerne, California; numerous nieces and nephews and three special friends, John Reece of Palm Springs, California and Donna Howard and Janie Landrus, both of Charleston. In addition to his parents and his wife, Paul was preceded by four sisters, Opal Chesser, Marguerite Hamilton, Vivian Cook and Lucille Porter; and three brothers, Harold "Porky" Lanman, Charles Lanman and Andrew Lanman.
Paul, also known as Ed to some, was a 1950 graduate of Charleston High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952 and traveled the world. It was while proudly and faithfully serving his country that he met his future wife, Joan Tatro. They were married February 28, 1959 in Red Bluff, California and it was just fourteen short years later, November 25, 1973, that she would pass away while stationed in Japan. It was at that time that Paul earned the title of "Mr. Mom" as he devoted his time to being both mom and dad to their four small children. He was devoted to his children and served as a PTA volunteer at school as well as a Boy Scout Leader.
Paul's military career saw more than twenty-four years of active duty and experienced wars in Korea and Vietnam. Following his retirement, Paul continued to work for the United States Military for more than ten years as a civilian employee which was also during Desert Storm. Upon his return to Charleston, Paul continued to keep busy as General Office Manager for Midwest Auto Sales in Mattoon, manager of the Charleston Elks Club B.P.O.E. #623, treasurer for Lincoln Log Cabin, a tax preparer for H & R Block, Quartermaster for the local VFW Post, tending bar for both the Elks Club and the VFW and also assisting with the family business, Lanman Oil.
Paul was a life member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, a member of the Charleston Elks B.P.O. E. #623, the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388, and Toastmasters International, serving as President of one of their overseas clubs. Paul's love for drama and the theater was apparent – he participated in theater presentations worldwide. He was a charter member of the Atsugi Players, a member of the Charleston Community Theater as well as the Charleston Alley Theatre. Paul also served as a Volunteer Pioneer for Lincoln Log Cabin for more than ten years and also volunteered at the Lincoln Douglas Museum.
Paul enjoyed music, flowers and tending to his flower gardens, and seasonal decorating. Christmas was his favorite time of the year and decorating – especially the Christmas tree – was his forte. Each Christmas would be accompanied by a brilliantly decorated tree – each different from the rest.
Paul "Ed" Lanman was a gentleman who was always kind and considerate. He generously gave of his time and his talents for the benefit of others. His family and friends were dear to him and he so enjoyed being in their company. All that knew and loved Paul will truly miss his warm and endearing smile, that all familiar voice and his presence in their lives.
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