The Rev. Michael Lee Lanius

MOOSIC — The Rev. Michael Lee Lanius, 49, of the Greenwood section of Moosic, passed away Dec. 11, 2014, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila Quarzenski Lanius. The couple celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary on June 30.

Born on Oct. 7, 1965, a son of Frances Ross Sworen, Moosic, and Don Lanius and his wife, Vanessa, Hendersonville, Tennessee; Michael was a graduate of Pittston Area High School, class of 1983.

He earned his bachelors degree from Trinity Bible College, New Port Richey, Florida. Prior to illness, he worked for Topps Chewing Gum Company, and he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He had previously served as Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Wyoming.

A loyal and devoted man to both his family and to the Holy Bible, he will be dearly missed by all of those who loved him. He also enjoyed Star Trek, video games, his motorcycle, the superheroes of Marvel, but most of all, spending time with his family.

"For God so loveth the world, that he hath given his only son, that none that believe in him, should perish: but should have everlasting life." - John 3:16.

A sister, Frankie Lanius, also preceded him in death.

He is also survived by his two sons, Jonathan Lanius, Wilkes Barre, and David Lanius, Pittston; his former wife, Wendy Christian Hall, Pittston; his sisters, Jerrie Donna Groover, LaJuanna Cook and Theresa Perry; his granddaughter, Evelyn Isabelle Lanius; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, by the Rev. John Butch, pastor of the Christ Community Church in Kingston. Interment with military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Harding. Relatives and friends may pay their respects from 11 a.m. to services Monday. Please add colors to your outfit to celebrate his life with us.

Please visit the Kearney Funeral Home website for directions or to leave an online condolence.