Paul Walter Lanham

Paul Walter Lanham, 81, of Springfield, died at 7:41 a.m. on November 25, 2011 at his home. Paul was born on June 1, 1930 in Springfield, the son of Robert W. and Artie Elizabeth Wright Lanham. He married Barbara J. Pfister on August 22, 1959in Ridgway, IL. Paul proudly served his country in the United States Army. He retired from Fiat Allis as a Stationery Fireman in 1986 after 36 years of service. He was a member of West Side Christian Church, American Legion Post 32, United Auto Workers Local 1027 and volunteered at St. Agnes Catholic School since 1978. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Barbara J. of Springfield; three daughters, Karen Williams of Springfield, Sheri Dorsey of Lincoln, and Beverly Jane Lanham of Springfield; two sons, Steven Robert (Betty) Lanham of Fayetteville and Gregory Paul Lanham of Springfield; eleven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Imogene Stecker of Champaign and Barbara England of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until the time of the ceremony at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 28, 2011at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield with Rev. Vaughn Beeman officiating. Graveside Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at Camp Butler National Cemetery with Rev. Mike Harney officiating and military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674, American Cancer Society, 675 E. Linton Ave, Springfield, IL 62703 or Disabled American Veterans, 25 Club Area, Springfield, IL 62712.