Harry Edwin Lanehart

Harry Edwin Lanehart of Ellicott City went home to the Lord on August 9, 2021, he was 86 years old. Known to everyone as ‘Ed’, he was born and raised in Baltimore. Ed was a Christian and an active member of Immanuel UCC in Catonsville. He spent his life in service to the Lord. He was a kind, generous and patient man. He was a graduate of Southern High 1954. Realizing at an early age the importance of physical activity for youth, Ed graduated from the University of Maryland with a master’s degree in physical education and dedicated 32 years as a physical education teacher, supervisor, and mentor for Baltimore County Public Schools. During that time, he received recognition for his dedication to physical education. In 1968 he received Outstanding Young Educator award, in 1969, he received the Young Men of America award, and in 1972 he received the Maryland State Teacher of the Year Award.

Ed also practiced what he preached. He began weightlifting at the age of 14 and was an acclaimed wrestler in high school. As a body builder, Ed won several titles including Mr. Maryland 1956, Mr. Free State 1969, and Mr. Maryland over 35 in 1973, among others. He continued his daily workout routine his entire life. Ed was an accomplished bowler; he could be found several days a week at Normandy Lanes honing his skill. He participated in many bowling tournaments over the years and qualified several times for the National Senior Olympics Bowling Tournaments.

Ed enjoyed playing his banjo and ukulele and singing. He spent his retirement years performing for senior centers and sang in his church choir. Ed coined himself as an amateur photographer, often returning to Baltimore to capture the city’s iconic sites.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Jackie, his sisters Anne and Margaret and his parents. Ed is survived by his daughter Jan and her husband Ken, his granddaughter Jessica, his daughter Laura, her husband Keith and grandchildren Rebecca and Christopher, and a niece, Sherry.

Interment will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.