Thompson Tal Lanius

Lt. Col. Thompson Tal Lanius, USAF (Ret.) passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024, at his home in Baton Rouge at age 74. Tal is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sharon Randall Lanius; his children Julia Claire Lanius Dinkel (Corey Dinkel) and Clark Lanius (Rachael Graham Lanius); his five grandchildren Louis, Lila, and Adelaide Dinkel and Henry and Merritt Lanius; his sister Necia Lanius (Dr. Jim Wade) and brother Norris Lanius (Avery Town.) He is preceded in death by his father, Henry Hunt Lanius, and his mother, Madge Gibson Lanius.

Tal was born in Ferriday, LA, on July 14, 1950, and grew up in Waterproof, LA. As a boy, he proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He and Sharon always laughed about not remembering how they met; they just always knew of each other since they were both from tiny towns in Tensas Parish. After graduating from Waterproof High School in 1968, Tal moved to Baton Rouge to attend LSU. He and Sharon were married in 1973, then moved to New Orleans so that he could attend LSU Dental School, graduating in May 1975.

After graduation, Tal served in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Howard AFB in the Panama Canal Zone. He served our country and was honorably discharged in 1978. He and Sharon then resided in Baton Rouge, where he practiced dentistry for nearly 30 years. During that time, they welcomed two children, Claire and Clark. In 2007, Tal retired from private practice and boldly reenlisted in the USAF at age 57. He was stationed at Barksdale AFB until 2012 when he was again honorably discharged, returning to Baton Rouge just in time for the ultimate promotion - to Grandfather (T-Pop).

During his retirement, Tal was unwaveringly dedicated to his professional community, assisting dentists in their practices when needed. Additionally, he was an integral member of the Krewe of Bacchus, donating many hours loading beads and trinkets to the floats and organizing friends and family from across the country to participate in the fun and merriment of Mardi Gras.

However, some of his most significant contributions can be seen within his church community. Tal and Sharon joined Broadmoor United Methodist Church in 1987. He served his community with quiet, understated devotion in a truly Christ-like manner. He loved to devote his time and handyman skills to the Broadmoor campus. He was very active in the Lagniappe Country Walk to Emmaus Community, serving on its Board of Directors, as a Lay Leader, and on many music teams. During his time at Broadmoor, Tal and Sharon developed profound friendships with others, including their Monday Night Bible Study, Lagniappe Sunday School Class, his Silver Hammers group, the Killer Bees, and Wednesday Morning Reunion group.

Finally, Tal’s greatest and most precious love was his family. His trust in the Lord, caring nature, and diligent and hard-working character strengthened his family. His devotion and love for his family was obvious to all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 10230 Mollylea Dr., Baton Rouge, LA, on Monday, December 9, 2024, from 9 to 11 a.m., immediately followed by a celebration of life. Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 10, at Natchez City Cemetery at 3 p.m.

“Those who come to see us will come to know and see the Lord.”