Richard E. Lanning

Richard "Dick" E. Lanning was born on December 14, 1933, in Topeka, Kansas and died peacefully at his home in St. Charles, Missouri on March 5, 2025. The son of the late Merrill and Fay Lanning, Richard was raised in the small town of Stover, Missouri. Following graduation from Sedalia Smith Cotton High School, but before attending college at the University of Missouri, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy, where he learned the skills that would prepare him for his 40-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration. In 1960, Dick married Valerie Grapentine on her 20th birthday. Together they raised their two kids in West Liberty, a small town in Southeastern Iowa that would become his family's hometown. A mid-career move to Springfield, Missouri was challenging but essential, as it was this time during which Dick put his entire family through college...Pam, Scott and Val. Dick's final years with the FAA brought the Lanning's to the St. Louis area, where they settled in St. Charles, their home for over 40 years. Dick, a passionate sports fan, and Val shared a love for college football and the NFL, faithfully cheering on the Missouri Tigers and becoming committed season ticket holders when St. Louis brought the Rams to town. Dick was a devoted and life-long St. Louis Cardinals fan who idolized the great Stan Musial as a kid. And, he enjoyed golf. He really enjoyed golf. Dick is survived by his wife of 65 years, Valerie Lanning; daughter, Pamela and her husband Jerry Castellano of O'Fallon, Missouri; son, Scott and his wife Alison of Kirkwood, Missouri; grandchildren, Alex and her husband, Alec Smith of Denver, Colorado, Andi and her husband, Alec Weber of Nashville, Tennessee and Augi Lanning of Nashville, Tennessee; great-grandsons, Liam and Landon Smith and Luka Weber; step granddaughters, Lauren (Patrick), Alexa (Chris) and Michele; and step great-grandchildren, Reese, Gianna and Bailey. Dick is also survived by his brother, John Lanning and his wife, Judy; sister, Carolyn Watson and her husband, John; sister-in-Law, Beverly van Zanten; brother-in-law, Terry Grapentine and his wife, Jean; and many nieces and nephews. There will be a visitation starting at 10:30am at Trinity Episcopal Church on Monday the 10th of March. The service will start at 11:30am. The address is 318 S. Duchesne Dr., St. Charles MO 63301. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick's name to The Saint Charles Parks and Recreation Foundation.

Richard E. Lanning

December 14, 1933 - March 5, 2025