Franklin "Frankie" Ray-Dean Lanham

Franklin Ray-Dean Lanham, age 4 days, of Roscoe, Illinois passed away peacefully in his mother's arms on Sunday, July 21, 2024; precious from the start, he was born to his loving family on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at UW Health Swedish American Hospital, and gently taken into the arms of Jesus and the heavenly angels on Sunday evening, July 21, 2024. Franklin is the cherished son of Randy and Emily (Meinert) Lanham, brother, Kyle Lanham and beloved grandson of Marilyn McAllister, Randall Franklin (Teresa) Lanham and Robert Dean and Teresa Meinert; aunt, Lori (Denny) Smoot; aunt, Sharri Richardson; uncle, Andrew (Abbie) Meinert; cousin, Henry Meinert; cousin, Bailey Smoot; as well as numerous other extended family members.

He is greeted in Heaven by grandfather, Harry Ray McAllister, great-grandparents, Donald and Beverly Meinert, Kearney and Reva Fritsch, Randall Phillips and Louise Lanham, Alfred and Genevieve McAllister, William and Anna Oswalt, uncle, James Lanham.

Although Frankie was only with us for a short time, his life was full of purpose. He had no idea he was sick, or even the many lives he touched in his short time on earth, but he brought purpose to the people that cared for him and made a difference in their lives. He will be missed dearly by his parents, family and all that cared for him.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Harb, UW Health Swedish American Hospital Labor and Delivery, the amazing NICU providers and nurses for their loving and compassionate care, and our extended emergency department family for their love and support.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m., Monday, July 29, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115 with a funeral service to begin at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Wendell Maynard officiating. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens.