Lanny R. Tate

A Celebration of Life for Lanny R. Tate, 90, Lawrence, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Lone Star Church of the Brethren. A private family inurnment will follow the luncheon at Washington Creek Cemetery. Lanny passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

Lanny was born on June 1, 1934, in Cosby, MO, the son of Maurice and Eda (Bunse) Tate.

He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in Lawrence in 1952.

He was a longtime employee at Kansas Public Service in Lawrence. After retirement he enjoyed working part time at Chaney Plumbing.

As a young man he played fast pitch softball and later became an avid golfer. He loved the game of golf and the guys he played with.

He was a wealth of knowledge on local history.

Lanny served many years on the Board of Community Living Opportunities, and was a member of the Lone Star Church of the Brethren.    

He married Mary Evelyn Flory on October 4, 1953, and they were married for 64 years before her death.

Survivors include his children, Steven (Susan) Tate – Silver Lake, KS, Susan Turner – Lawrence, Dawn Tate (Terri Jacobson, Caregiver) – Lawrence, grandchildren, Demetria (Warren) White – Lawrence, Megan (James) Whitney – Pittsburg, KS, Pete (Rachel) Turner – Lawrence, Lauren (Bill) Tate Reifeiss – Greenwood, MO, Elijah Turner – Lawrence, great-grandchildren, Maliya White, Zoey White, Audrey Whitney, William Reifeiss, Abbott Whitney, Benjamin Turner, Lewis Reifeiss, and several nieces and nephews.

Lanny was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, June Bidinger, and Bruce Tate.

Memorial contributions may be made in Lanny’s name to Goodlife Innovations (formerly Community Living Opportunities) and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

7 Condolences

  1. George and Nancy Davis on June 25, 2024 at 10:56 am

    Uncle Lanny left us with many wonderful memories. We will miss his smile and good humor. We always loved his history lessons when we would visit. Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the family.



  2. Rhonda Wingert Thomsen on June 25, 2024 at 4:56 pm

    Steve, Susan and Dawn– So very sorry to hear of Lanny’s passing. Him and Mary were such good friends to mom and dad-Clarence & Donna Wingert-and I have such fond memories of visiting with your parents.
    My deepest condolences



  3. Tommy Johnson on June 25, 2024 at 5:49 pm

    Steve, Susan & Dawn – I worked with Lanny for many years at Kansas Public Service, and always admired and appreciated his work ethic. He was a great coworker and a good man, who was always either smiling or laughing! Your father will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days.



  4. Galen Gillaspie on June 26, 2024 at 11:31 am

    I had the pleasure of working with Lanny for a lot of years at KPS, he was a great guy to work with and liked to fish also. Great family man and a history buff as some would say. Always had some thing fun to say when it was time for it.Took his job seriously and was very good at it and was a great teacher about it. Always willing to show the new guy how to do it correct. Lanny Tate, the man will be missed by many I am sure, sorry for your loss and may GOD Bless.



  5. Kyra Flummerfelt on June 26, 2024 at 3:17 pm

    I worked with Lanny for many years at Chaney Incorporated. He was such a wonderful person and always quick to laugh. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.



  6. Michael Chavez on July 2, 2024 at 9:44 pm

    Steve, Sue, Susan and Dawn,
    Our deepest sympathy to each of you in the loss of your dad. Steve, your dad always received me with the upmost kindness and respect. I am grateful for the opportunity to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family. God Bless.

    Michael and Monica Chavez



  7. Julie Peter on July 3, 2024 at 5:28 pm

    I lived across the street from Lanny, such a nice man and neighbor, he will be missed



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