Clifford J. LANNING

LANNING, Clifford J.- age 82, died Sunday, August 12, 2012, at the place he loved most, the family cabin in Mesick, Michigan. He was surrounded by his loving wife, children and close friends. Services will be held 11 AM Thursday, August 16, 2012 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton, Michigan with Pastor Jim Combs Sr. officiating. Interment will follow at the Great Lakes National Veteran's Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday August 15, 2012 from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make contributions in Clifford's name to the NRA, Fenton VFW and Fenton Order of Eagles. He was born October 11, 1929 to Lee and Ester (Morey) Lanning. Raised in Linden Michigan while the town was still "countrified," he learned to love the water and outdoors through hunting, fishing and trapping in and around the millpond. He grew up with 5 siblings, Barbara, Johnny and Richard "Bud," who preceded him in death, surviving are Doris and Gerald "Jerry" of Fenton. He went to a one-room school house in Linden playing both track and basketball in high school. As a young man dad worked at the Linden Movie House both as a "Soda Jerk" and a projectionist. After graduating in 1948 he enlisted in the NAVY and rose to the rank of Machinist Mate serving on the U.S.S Valley Forge. He served during the Korean War and received an Honorable Discharge in 1952. He returned home met and fell in love-at-first-sight with wife Violet (Robinson). They married June 6, 1953. Prior to marriage dad began a career as a Tool and Die Maker first working at his Uncle's plant Universal Tool in Fenton, then moving to GM and he retired after 38 years. Dad was an avid sportsman all his life being a member of the NRA, and several hunting and fishing organizations. He passed his love of hunting and fishing onto his sons and grandsons. He loved baseball, coached little league and watched the Tigers and Lions religiously. He was a frequent golfer, belonged to numerous bowling teams and leagues and enjoyed gambling, playing the Lotto and winning with "scratch offs." He could advise anyone on politics and healthy suppliments and vitamins of which he had a wealth of knowledge. His sense of humor and "gentle giant" nature will always be remembered. His love of life was known by all as he fought for every day and every breath with everything he could. He lives now with our heavenly father and watches and waits for us to be with him again. We love you dad. Preceding dad in death was grandson William Cody Black. Clifford leaves to cherish his memory, loving wife Violet of 59 years, daughter Lori and husband, Harry Arthur, son Randy and wife Deborah, son Mark and wife, Kathy Henry, daughter Julie and husband Mark Grams, daughter Debbie and husband Randy Black, son Michael and wife Gina Cole, 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and many loving friends. Online condolences may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

Visitation

Wednesday, August 15, 2012 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel
1000 Silver Lake Road Fenton 48430, United States

Funeral Service

Thursday, August 16, 2012 11:00 AM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel
1000 Silver Lake Road Fenton 48430, United States