Perry Lanier

Perry E. Lanier Brighton His LegacyAge 80, passed away, January 31, 2014 in Brighton. Perry was born, January 14, 1934 in Shawnee, Oklahoma to James and Ruby Lanier. Perry graduated from Bethel High School, and obtained a Bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Baptist University. He then moved to California to work on his Master's degree in Education from San Jose State University. Perry moved back to Oklahoma to obtain his PhD in Education at the University of Oklahoma. He had a 35 year career at Michigan State University, teaching in the College of Education. He taught, wrote books and conducted research to improve the teaching and retention of math skills in the US and other parts of the world. This allowed him to travel to Nicaragua, Okinawa, Southeast Asia and Europe. He retired in 2001. Perry was always there to encourage family members working on their goals, from a pat on the back, a pep talk, financial help, even a place to stay for a while. His FamilyPerry is survived by his children Cindy (Jim) Nielsen of Brighton, MI; Mark (Tina) Lanier of Gold Beach, OR; Melanie Lanier of Albuquerque, NM; Liz Lanier of Beaver Island, MI; Evan (Michelle) Roth of Paris, France; Kelley Roth of Durham, NC former spouses, Mary Ann Lanier, Shawnee, OK; Judith Gallagher, Beaver Island, MI; and Kathy Roth, Colorado; and grandchildren Kirsten (Daniel) Pickworth, Dana (Ryan) Jennings, Paul Nielsen, Tim Nielsen, Forrest Lanier and Dustin Lanier; and siblings, Duane (Ginny) Lanier, Newton, KS; Darrel (Martha) Lanier, Oklahoma City, OK; Jim Lanier, Lucas, TX and Rozanne Lanier Holmes, Richardson, TX. Perry was preceded in death by his parents and son Ross Henderson. His FarewellA memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heartland Hospice Care of Ann Arbor, Michigan Alzheimer's Association or to The Little Traverse Nature Conservancy. Please leave a message of comfort to Perry's family by calling 1-877-231-7900 or sign his guest book at www.borekjennings.com.