Thomas Edison Lanning was born on May 7, 1926 and passed peacefully into his eternal life on September 29, 2014 surrounded by love.

He graduated from Mentor high School where he lettered in four sports and received the Most Versatile Athlete Award. After graduation, he served in the United StatesNavy during WWII.
Upon his return, he played in the St. Louis Cardinal’s farm system. He is an alumni of Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in elementary education administration. He had an outstanding 35 year career as a teacher, coach and principal with the Barberton City Schools where he received many awards including the Outstanding Young Teacher of the Year and Administrator of the Year. He lived by his motto of “The Children Always Come First”. He served his community in many capacities including the Red Cross, Punt, Pass and Kick competition, YMCA Camp, Barberton Public Library and the Barberton Jaycees where he received the Distinguished Service Award and the Man of the Year Award. In 2006, he was inducted into the Mentor Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Wadsworth United Methodist Church for over 30 years.

He is survived by his wife Helen, with whom he celebrated almost 68 years of marriage; children, Kristen (Larry) Ledman, Keri (Elio-deceased) DiMichele, and Nina Lanning; grandchildren, Kara, Amanda (Russell), Abigail, Gabriella and Brooklynn; great grandsons, Russell David and William Edison; brother Charles (Susan) and sister Bonnie along with many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends Thursday, October 2, 2014 2-4 and 6-8 at the Wadsworth United Methodist Church 195 Broad Street, Wadsworth, Ohio, where the funeral service will be conducted on Friday at 2 pm. Interment will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
Reserve National Cemetery.

The Family would like to thank Hospice of Medina county and the wonderful staff at Altercare of Wadsworth. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wadsworth United Methodist Church or to Hospice of Medina County.

Hilliard-Rospert
330-334-1501
www.hilliardrospert.com