Thomas L. Lanning passed away in the early morning on January 17 after spending the previous day with family and friends. Tom was born to Esther and Tom Lanning, Sr. in Webster City, Iowa on February 23, 1931.
Tom enlisted in the Montana Army National Guard in 1948 and retired in 1991. In that time Tom served as a civilian technician and an M1 General Abrams Tank Fielding Officer. Tom also served as an instructor at the Montana Military Academy for 15 years.
A man of many passions, Tom enjoyed the outdoors and loved to share what he knew with his children and grandchildren. His family is proud of the many years he dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America and to teaching hunter’s safety.
Tom married Nora Lanning September 4th 1959 at the Frontier Town chapel. Their marriage lasted 54 years until Nora’s death in 2012. Together they spent their lives bringing light into the many friends that they loved.
Tom is survived by his daughter Diane Lanning, her son Max Nicklay, son Tom (Deb) Lanning, their children TJ (Ashley) Lanning and Al (Jessie)Lanning, stepsons Norman (Darlene) Scott, Jerry (Judy) Scott, MaryAnn (Jeff) Ranger, Ronda Scott and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, friend Hank (Becky) Adams, sisters Nina (Sandy) Hagen, and Marion Routzahn.
Graveside service will be held 11:00a.m., Friday, January 22 in the Committal Shelter at the Veteran’s Cemetery, Fort Harrison. Following the service friends and family are invited to the Service Club at Fort Harrison to celebrate Tom’s life. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Montana Military Museum, PO Box 125, Ft. Harrison, MT 59636 or Rocky Mountain Hospice, 1075 N. Rodney, Suite 102, Helena, MT 59601.
Pat Kaster says
Uncle Tom also made a great Santa Claus to many children. He traveled to Buhl, Idaho to play Santa to my small children, Sam, Tobby and Kari. This will be the first time they knew who Santa really was!
Linda Zellick says
Loved my Uncle Tom so much! He was always interested in what you were doing and how you were doing. Even when I was a child he took the same time with me and everyone else he was in contact with. He was very funny, always joking. He always teased me when I started wearing makeup. I wish I could have been there today. I will forever miss him.
Bill Ranard says
Tom was one of my best friends growing up. He had a following of a dozen or so kids running around his house. We spent much of our time working on stock cars, getting them ready for the weekend races in Helena and Gt. Falls. The day after I turned 17, he took me out to join the Montana National Guard. I remember going up to the Eagles to play pinochle with Tom and Tom Sr. and other adults. All of this, thanks to Tom. He was instrumental in keeping us boys busy and out of trouble. I had a nice visit with Tom at his residence at Touchmark this summer and we had a chance to reminisce. Love you and God Bless you Tom.