James Eugene Lanning

He was born in Nevada, Missouri on March 28, 1947.

He was married to Beverly Cheryl Ward Lanning for 54 years.

James worked for BP Refinery as an operator for 33 years until retirement in October 2005, after an explosion at BP Refinery were he was also injured.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Porter, TX with Brother Rob Ray as the pastor. He belonged to VFW and American Legion.

Jim and Cheryl loved to vacation every year. He loved going to the in-laws cabin on the Mississippi River in Illinois, fishing, hunting and boating with his father-in-law. He would go to as many of his army reunions as he could. He was so proud to serve in the Army, as a paratrooper. He was a true veteran. He loved serving God at church. His hobbies were fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. He was always spending time coaching the boys in their sports, he never missed his son's car racing. His daughter lived in Missouri where we were transferred from and he always talked or visited her every chance we got and he talked to her daily. We were a happy family of six. He had a cat (Lucy Jae) which he loved her dearly and her him. She is still so upset without him, she barely eats.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly Cheryl Lanning; 4 children, Stacy (Ronnie) Brooke of Cleveland, Missouri, Wayne (Michelle) Lanning of Alvin, TX, Eric (Susan) Lanning of Baytown, TX, Lance (Denise) Lanning of Baytown, TX; 18 Grandchildren; 33 Great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was born to Lester and Bernice Lanning of Missouri.

He was predeceased by his parents, one sister, Dorothy Cramer, one brother, Bill Lanning, and one grandchild.

A visitation for James will be held Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A funeral service will occur Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A committal service will occur Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.