Lonce Vernon Lanier

Lonce Vernon Lanier, 72, passed away on March 11, 2018 surrounded by family and friends at St. Luke’s-Baylor Hospital in Houston after a month-long battle with pancreatitis.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Lonce Lanier and Hattie Hinson Lanier; the mother of his children, Gail Lanier; son, Jeffery Wade Lanier; and nephew Jon Daigle. He is survived by his son Heath Lanier and wife Jennifer of Destin, FL; daughter Colene Lanier Bonnette and husband Matthew Bonnette, and granddaughters Haley and Katelyn Bonnette all of Lake Charles; three brothers, Glynne Lanier and wife Emily of Moss Bluff; David Lanier and wife Cathy of Moss Bluff; and Charlie Lanier and wife Stephanie of Cincinnati, Ohio; one sister, Cindy Lanier Daigle of Lake Charles; 12 nieces and nephews; and numerous great nieces and nephews.  Vernon was born in DeRidder on January 25, 1946 but resided in Lake Charles for most his life. He was a graduate of Marion High School where he graduated in 1964 and played football and basketball. Upon graduation, he attended McNeese for two semesters before enrolling into the United States Army where he served his country in the Vietnam War from 1966 until 1968 when he was honorably discharged. He received several medals of service, including the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was an Iron Worker for Local 678 where he retired after 30 years. He also delivered newspapers for the Lake Charles American Press for many years. Vernon greatly loved working in his garden and keeping up the yard. He also took pride in growing and taking care of his Aloe Vera plants. He enjoyed his retirement by spending time with his brothers and sister at their monthly lunch gatherings and also enjoyed watching his granddaughters participate in all of their school activities. He coached his son, Heath, and his nephews, in Little League ball as well. He was an avid LSU fan and cheered on the Tigers and Lady Tigers no matter what sport. He also loved the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Celtics, and Houston Oilers, even sticking with them when they moved to Tennessee. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles. Visitation will continue at 9 a.m. on Friday morning, March 16, and leading up to the 12 p.m. funeral service, also at Johnson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at New Ritchie Cemetery in Moss Bluff. McNeese Chaplain Steve Sanford will officiate. The family would sincerely like to thank all the great nurses and doctors at St. Luke’s-Baylor Hospital in Houston, especially ICU doctor, Dr. Loor, ICU nurses, Erin and Anna, and ICU respiratory therapist, Alisha, who knew exactly how and when to make us laugh during this very difficult time. It takes very special people to do the job they do. Their professionalism never kept them from showing their compassion.