Robert Leonard Lanning, 86, of Thorne Avenue, Columbus died Friday, March 16, 2012 in White Oak Manor Nursing Center, Tryon.
Born in Henderson County, N.C., he was the son of the late Jerry and Eva McGuinn Lanning.  He was a veteran of the U. S. Army, having served in WWII.
Mr. Lanning was a self-employed electrician and was a member of Emanuel Baptist Church, Columbus. He was a loving and respected father.
Surviving are: his wife of 65 years, Madelyn Searcy Lanning; four sons, Robert Larry Lanning (Patty) of Forest City, N.C., Ronald Leon Lanning (Shirley) of Landrum, Roger Lynn Lanning (Ashley) of Rutherfordton, N.C. and Richard Loren Lanning (Jeannette) of Columbus; and two sisters, Estelle Goswick and Edith Case, both of  Columbus. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren and l6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Lonnie Earl Lanning, who died in l949.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
An on-line guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.
McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.