William Ray Lankford

William R. Lankford, 74, of New Haven, Indiana, died on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, passing peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. Bill was the son of the late Elmer Ray Lankford and Dorothy Irene (Sayles) Foster. He was born in Goshen, Indiana and moved with his family to Elkhart as a youth. A 1966 graduate of Elkhart High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University of South Bend. As a soldier in the United States Army, he attained the rank of First Lieutenant, served one year in Vietnam, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in ground combat. Bill was an avid fisherman and loved spending time at his cottage on Irish Lake. He had a lifelong love of music, literature and writing, and was a published author of two short stories. He also enjoyed many sports especially San Francisco Giants Baseball, Notre Dame Football, and IU Basketball, along with loving to dance with his wife, Sherry. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sherry; son, Joshua (Deb); daughter, Jessica (Matt); one grandson, Jacob, all of New Haven and Fort Wayne area; and one sister, Sheila (Larry) Cook of Union, Michigan. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and one elder sister, Rita Cassell. Bill was a quintessential provider for his family and would do anything for his children. He was a wise grandfather for his only grandson Jacob. He also leaves behind a true companion in his dog Bones. A celebration of Life service will be at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at the Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road Fort Wayne, Indiana 46819, with visitation two hours prior. Interment will be at the Marion National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in William's memory may be made to Cure PSP at www.curepsp.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com for the Lankford family.