Ray Lanum

Ray Lanum, 86

MUNCIE - Ray Lanum, 86, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2015 at Westminster Village.

He was born on August 13, 1929, in Ellettsville, IN, the only son of Cecil and Alta Lanum. He grew up in Bloomington and graduated from Indiana University where he was a member of the Big Ten Championship baseball team and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He met Ruth Baumeister, a medical technology student in anatomy class at IU, and married her in 1952, just prior to serving two years as an Army officer in Japan during the Korean War. Ray and Ruth made Muncie their home when he began his first career as partner and manager of Muncie Boats and Motors. They raised two daughters, Judy, of Kent, OH (Peter Mohan) and Kathy, of Lewisberry, PA (Art Williams) and were married for fifty years until Ruth passed away in 2002.

In 2004, Ray was blessed to marry a longtime friend, Shirley (Veneman Staggs) and they enjoyed nearly eleven years of marriage together. After closing the boat store, in a second career, Ray was an insurance agent for Mutual of Omaha for ten years. Never one to sit still, Ray later accepted the role of Superintendent of Parks and Recreation in Muncie under four mayors. Ray was a humble, honest, and gregarious man who lived a life of service without fanfare. His family is very proud of the contributions he made to Muncie as a board member of the Muncie Housing Authority, as a major force in developing the Cardinal Greenway, and of his dedication to the Community Enhancement Project, Kiwanis, Meals on Wheels and as a Ball Hospital volunteer. He was also a 52-year member of High Street United Methodist Church, where he actively served in any capacity requested.

In addition to his wife and daughters, he is survived by step-daughter, Pam Hagen, step-son, Randy Staggs (Lisa), and eight grandchildren, Michael, Kathy (Andy Goodell), Kristin and Graeme Mohan, Eric Williams, Travis (Alana), Christie and Scott Hagen.

Calling hours will be held at High Street United Methodist Church on Friday, October 9, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Saturday.

Funeral services will take place at the church on Saturday, October 10, at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Dale Mendenhall officiating. Entombment will follow in Elm Ridge Mausoleum.

The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in Ray's name to High Street United Methodist Church, the Community Foundation, Community Enhancement Project, Cardinal Greenway, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.