David L. VanLaningham

David L. VanLaningham 89yrs old of Shawnee, Ks passed away July 14,2025 surrounded by his 2 daughters and family. He was born March 20th in Kingston Mo. 

He went by “Van”, and was in the Air force Reserves. Later he worked for Western Electric, where he eventually retired.  He was incredibly intelligent and self taught. He built 3 houses that he lived in over the years. He built his own computer when they first came out. He loved to garden, and enjoyed flowers and trees. 

Van was married to Barbara Pyka for 20 years.  They loved to travel and really enjoyed going on cruises, but their favorite place to travel to was Niagara Falls

He also loved to read the history about the Bible, and his favorite book in the Bible was Genesis. He could recite Genesis 1:1-6 by memory. He spent his last days in his daughter Lesa’s home, where his two daughters and family cared for him with great love up to the day he passed.

 He is survived by His daughters Lesa Ellingsworth and Lori Bennison, his sister Linda Hayden, half brother Roy Louder, half sister Donna Rist, his wife Barbara, 6 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. A private memorial was held on July 20th, 2025 at his daughter’s home.