Lewis A. Lanham, Jr.

Lewis A. “Louie” Lanham, Jr., 83, of Springfield, formerly of Buffalo, died at 5:45 p.m., Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at Memorial Medical Center. Louie was born January 25, 1922 in Springfield, the oldest of seven children to Lewis and Delta Krell Lanham, Sr. He married Mildred Shanle, January 28, 1944 in Pyote, TX. Mr. Lanham was a graduate of Illiopolis High School; he was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force (Army Air Corps) as a Staff Sergeant, from September 4, 1942 - October 26, 1945. He served as an aerial gunner on a B17 in the 96th Bomber Group. Lewis made eleven missions into enemy territory and was a POW for thirteen months. During his service in the WWII European Theatre, Lewis received multiple medals and commendations for his exemplary service, including: Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Prisoner of War Medal, American Campaign Medal WWII, Purple Heart, WWII Victory Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. Both Lewis and his wife were long-time residents of Buffalo, IL before relocating to Springfield. His true calling and love was farming from which he had just recently retired. He was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Buffalo, a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Springfield and a National Member of American Ex-Prisoners of War. He was a faithful husband and a generous provider. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Howard, John and Harold Lanham and one sister: Genevieve Kelly. He is survived by his wife of 61 years: Mildred E. of Springfield; daughter: Marian (husband, Scott) Jeter of Edmond, OK; two grandchildren: Colleen (husband, Geoff) Camp of Jenks, OK, Ryan Jeter of Tulsa, OK; two great grandchildren: twins, Madeline and Megan Camp of Jenks, OK; two sisters: Eleanor Reller of Litchfield, JoAnn (husband, Loren) Douglas of Springfield and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Family will receive friends from 4-7:00 p.m. Sunday, June 26, 2005 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Visitation will begin with a Rosary Service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, June 27, 2005 at Christ the King Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurses Association of Central Illinois, 720 N. Bond St., Springfield, IL 62702-9914 or Masses or Charity of Donors Choice. The family of Lewis A. “Louie” Lanham, Jr. is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.