Harold R. Lanphear

LANPHEAR, Harold R. Kalamazoo, MI Passed away Saturday, June 20, 2009. Harold was born June 23, 1928 in Kalamazoo, a son of Truman and Florence Howard Lanphear and was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, served his country in the United States Navy, worked for KVP and retired from James River Company after 45 years of service to the paper making industry. Harold was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather and he was all about family. On May 14, 1949 he married Thelma Geissel, who survives. Also surviving are their children, Stephen Betteann Lanphear of Zephyrhills, FL, Vicki Duane Warner of Watervliet, Paul Mary Lanphear of Hurley, NY and Edward Gail Lanphear of Cary, NC; grandchildren, Kelly Randal Baird, Rebecca McCoy, Alexander and Aaron Lanphear; three sisters, Vivian Roy Toll of Athens, Vera Holdstock of Galesburg and Dorothy Michael Ritter, of Portage; two sisters-in-law, Jean Lanphear of Parchment and Mary Lanphear of Portage; several nieces and nephews. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Gary Lanphear; a granddaughter, Christina Lanphear; and two brothers, Lyle and Vernon Lanphear. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday in the Zion Lutheran Church, 2122 Bronson Blvd. with Pastors Louis W. Grother and Larry Brelje officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer's Association. Please visit www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences. 343-1508.