Ernest M. Lanning

Ernest M. Lanning, 91, of The Plains, was received into the hands of Jesus, Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at the VA Medical Center in Chillicothe.  He was born December 25, 1925 in Floodwood, son of the late Clyde and Cynthia Hill Lanning.  He was the widower of the late Eleanor H. Vaido Lanning.

Ernest was retired from Ohio University and was a United States Marine Corps veteran of World War II. He served his country faithfully and lost his leg May 20, 1945, at the age of 19, during a battle in Okinawa, Japan. He was a life member of the VFW and DAV and was honored, in April 2013 to be selected for the Honor Flight to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. He loved his family and made many sacrifices to make sure they all had what they needed and they all deeply loved and respected him in return.

Ernest is survived by his sons, Dusty (Linda) Lanning of Dayton and Kevin (Becky) Lanning of Macon, Georgia; daughters, Cheryle (Dudley) Mullins of Parkersburg, West Virginia, Irene Collins of The Plains and Lyn (Paul) Richard of Athens; 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; brother, Joe (Ruth) Lanning of The Plains; sister-in-law Mary Prince of Eureka, California; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers, Walter, Fred and Willard Lanning; sisters, Garnet Mullins and Margaret Baird and an infant sister, Ruth Mary Lanning.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 20, 2017 at the Nelsonville Wesleyan Church at the corner of Chestnut and Harper Streets in Nelsonville with Pastor Michael Thomas officiating. Interment will be at Greenlawn Cemetery New Addition in Nelsonville, where a military graveside service will be conducted by the Combined Color Guard Unit and the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard. Friends may call Sunday, November 19, 2017 from 3-5 PM at the Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St., Nelsonville and one hour prior to the service at the church.

The family suggests contributions in memory of Ernest M. Lanning be made to the Nelsonville Wesleyan Church, 600 Chestnut St., Nelsonville, Ohio 45764.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com