Clarence Walter Laningham, Sr.
January 12, 1923 - June 19, 2011
Clarence W. Laningham, 88, died Sunday, June 19, 2011, in a local care center. He was a native of Sicily Island, Louisiana and spent most of his life in Lake Charles before moving to Sulphur nearly 40 years ago. Clarence was a World War II U.S. Army Air Corps veteran. He retired from Firestone after 35 years of service and spent much of his time camping, fishing, and digging for arrowheads and old bottles. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Sulphur and Campers On Mission.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Joe Belle Laningham of Sulphur; four children, Jeanne Johnson and husband, Ronny of Etoile, Texas, Sandy Preslar and husband, Johnny of Dripping Springs, Texas, Clarence Walt Laningham, Jr. and wife, Sherry of Medina, Tennessee, and Joel Mark Laningham of Beaumont, Texas; one brother, Richard Laningham of Lake Charles; one sister, Irma Doescher of Kodak, Tennessee; twenty-three grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence W. and Nina Laningham; and his brother, Russell Laningham.
His funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Dr. David Holder will officiate. Burial will be in Ritchie Cemetery in Moss Bluff.
Visitation is from 3-8 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday in the funeral home.