Richard Lee Lanning

Richard Lee Lanning - age 84 of Lathrop, MO passed away Saturday morning, July 5, 2025, at his home in Lathrop. Richard was born on March 22, 1941, the son of Louis Alvin and Virginia Lee (Durkin) Lanning in St. Joseph, MO. He grew up in parts of Northwest Missouri and Southern Iowa. Richard was a 1959 graduate of Maryville High School. He married the love of his life, Sharon Martin on Sunday, January 23rd, 1966, at the First Assembly of God Church in Lathrop. They moved to Vallejo California, as Richard was stationed at Mare Island Naval Ship Yard, and completed his 6 years of service in the U.S. Navy as a submarine sailor. He served on the submarines USS Rasher and USS Gudgeon where he met his loyal friend Jim Christopherson. He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and during the Vietnam War. After serving, Richard and Sharon made their home in Lathrop, MO where they raised three sons. He worked at General Motors for 31 years, and had the pleasure of working along side his brother Larry for much of that time, although they had everyone believing they were cousins and not brothers. During his time at General Motors, he was a dedicated employee serving in several departments. During GM model changes, he worked for his friend Lowell Olson driving a grain truck. He was an avid supporter of Lathrop Mules high school sports and attended basketball and football games to watch his boys play. He was especially proud when his son Terry helped the Mules win the 1985 basketball state championship. Many people will remember him sitting on the heater at the end of the gym during basketball games and at the endzone for each football game. He even made it to many of the practices. He always wanted to be as close to the action as possible. He made many trips to Ottawa University and Missouri Valley College to watch David and Chad play basketball and rarely missed a home game. Upon retiring in 1998, Richard found himself working part time, mowing country roadsides for Clinton County and then the City of Lathrop, and running a combine for another friend, Donnie Summers. He was very active which made him a wonderful grandpa. Living only a block away from Ace, Amree, and Asher, he enjoyed the special times they had together. Donut Saturday was a tradition he started when he would visit their house each week to have coffee with Chad. When they reached a certain age, they got to go to the Hungry Mule Cafe to have chocolate milk with him and his friends who regularly met for coffee. He would spend hours watching them ride tricycles in his garage. They each had their first ride on the lawn mower with their beloved grandpa and many scooter rides. He loved them deeply and was proud to be a grandpa. He was grateful for the friends who came over for coffee and a chat and especially those who visited and encouraged him these past few months. His witty humor was unmatched and only rivaled by his brothers Larry and Joe. Many New Years Day celebrations were spent in laughter at the banter of the three brothers. Richard was one of a kind, he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joe Lanning; and step-grandchildren, Abra Thrall and Alex Thrall. He is survived by his wife Sharon Lanning of the home; sons Terry Lanning (Barbara) of Riverside, MO, David Lanning of Liberty, MO, and Chad Lanning (Jen) of Lathrop, MO; grandchildren, Sam Lanning, Jackson Lanning, Ace Lanning, Amree Lanning, and Asher Lanning; step grandchild, Nikki Thrall; step great-grandchildren, Belle Thrall, Karson Thrall, and Britlyn Rudd; brother, Larry Lanning (Barbara) of Lawson, MO; Sister in Law, Lisa Lanning of Gower, MO; and longtime loyal friend and shipmate, Jim Christopherson. Several nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends also survive.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Lathrop First Assembly of God Church for the Royal Rangers Program in care of the funeral home. A service celebrating Richard's life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the First Assembly of God Church in Lathrop. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday, July 12th, 2025 also at the church. Burial will follow at Lathrop Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop (816) 740-4658. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com