Richard Cecil Laningham

Richard "Dick" Cecil Laningham, 90, of Lake Charles, LA died at 5:34 PM on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 in a local hospital. Mr. Laningham was born July 14, 1924 in Union Parish, LA and has lived the past seventy years in Lake Charles. He was a graduate of Ouachita High School and served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 as a Torpedo Man. He worked as a machinist and electrician for Conoco for thirty years, retiring in 1983. He was a member of the United Steel Workers Union #13-555. Mr. Laningham was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Lake Charles for over sixty years, serving as an usher for many of those years and assisting in any area where he was needed. He had a servant's heart and was always helping people, including taking care of the poor and elderly. Mr. Laningham volunteered with the American Red Cross, Abraham's Tent, and Habitat for Humanity. During his younger years, he was active in the Boy Scouts Troop #103. He also enjoyed woodworking, hunting and fishing. Mr. Laningham is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Beatrice "Bea" Erwin Laningham; son, Barry Kent Laningham and wife Joanna of Lake Charles; daughters, Linda Laningham Blooming and husband Charles of Lake Charles and Melanie Laningham Hosey and husband Steve of Houston; sister-in-law, JoBell Laningham of Sulphur, LA; grandchildren, Laura Shirley LaBard, Michelle Shirley, Bradley Laningham, Bryce Laningham and wife Kay, Michael Hosey and wife Megan and Ryan Hosey; one great-grandchild, Chloe LaBard; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Nina Laningham; sister, Irma Doescher; and two brothers, Russell and Clarence Laningham. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Lindsey Burns will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a scripture service at 6:00 PM and continue on Saturday from 12:00 PM until the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Abraham's Tent or Habitat for Humanity. The family would like to express a special word of thanks to Dr. Brian Clements and Lake Charles Memorial Hospital - ICU doctors and staff.