John Lanning

A memorial graveside service is scheduled at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 8, at Woodbine Cemetery for John B. Lanning of Artesia, New Mexico. John died April 24, 2020 at home in Artesia. Rev. David Grousnick of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will officiate at the service. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary.

John was born January 6, 1930 in Artesia to John W. Lanning and Corinne (Smith) Lanning. He graduated from Artesia High School in 1948 and married the love of his life, Kathryn (Kassie Jackson) Lanning on September 23, 1948. He was a 1949 honors graduate of Chilicothe Business College in Chilicothe, Missouri. After returning to Artesia and working for 2 years as a bookkeeper for Floyd Waltrip, John's father asked him to join him on the family farm at Atoka, where he remained until his retirement from farming in 1998. John then worked a few years for the Artesia Alfalfa Growers Association and oversaw the construction of their new office building and Y2K transition. John then enjoyed years of woodworking, ocean cruises, RV'ing and summers in Lake City, Colorado.

In addition to being a loving and devoted husband and father, John was an avid participant in service to his church, community and his career in agriculture. At First Christian Church John served as a lay preacher and Elder. For the last 10 years he was also devoted to Kairos Prison Ministry and Walk to Emmaus and he cherished the many wonderful relationships he developed. John was a founding member of the Atoka Volunteer Fire Department, served on the initial Board of Directors for the Artesia Special Hospital District and several years on the Artesia School Board. In agriculture, John was very active in local and regional service and was especially pleased with his service and awards with the Central Valley Soil & Water Conservation District of Eddy County and the New Mexico Cotton Ginners' Association.

John was preceded in death by his parents, sister Bettynelle Bolton and husband Curt, son Ron Lanning and wife Sandi and their son Roy.

John is survived by his wife Kassie of the home, sons Rick and wife Cindy of Midland, Texas; David and wife Beverlee of Roswell, New Mexico; Jerry and wife Debbie of Odessa, Texas; 9 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

The family wishes to express our sincerest thanks and gratitude for the loving care provided to John by Encompass Hospice of Carlsbad and Visiting Angels of Roswell. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, PO Box 172, Artesia, NM 88211-0172 or the charity of your choice.