Howard Earl Lanphier
Howard Earl Lanphier
Howard Earl Lanphier
September 30, 1935 – June 23, 2019
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 83
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Howard Earl Lanphier, 83, of Oskaloosa, died Sunday, June 23, 2019, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. He was born Monday, September 30, 1935, in Tracy, Iowa, the son of Fred and Viola Johnson Lanphier. The 14 Lanphier children made for a lively household.
Howard grew up in Tracy and attended Tracy School until he was 17, when he joined the Navy. That same year, he spent his first Christmas away from home in war-torn Korea. When he was discharged, he returned home.
Howard married Delores Ann Mitrisin and he became a stepfather to her daughter, Connie. He and Delores became parents of Mike, Mark and Cathy. They later divorced.
On April 11, 1980, Howard married Linda Kay Crile Wilson in Oskaloosa.
Howard was a very talented man, who worked at a variety of jobs, but his favorite was tree trimming.
He was a proud member of the Oskaloosa VFW and was honored to serve as Commander for almost two years as well as other officer positions.
He greatly enjoyed fishing and being around the Des Moines River. He equally enjoyed telling tall tales about his recent catches, with the length and poundage increasing with each telling. He valued his many friendships and would literally give “the shirt off his back” or his last dollar to a friend in need. He was very proud of his grandchildren, and greatly enjoyed the time he had with them, however distance and his long illness kept them separated more than he would have liked.
Howard is survived by his wife, Linda of Oskaloosa. Son, Mike (& Laura) Lanphier of Holly Springs, North Carolina; Daughter, Cathy Lanphier of Angier, North Carolina; Stepsons, Tony and Troy Wilson of Cedar Rapids, and Travis Wilson of Oskaloosa; Brother, Paul (& Pic) Lanphier of Oskaloosa; Sister, Maribel (& Norman) Riddle of Pella; six Grandchildren; and two Great-Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers: Bill, Bob, Jerrold, Chuck, and Kenneth (Ike); six sisters: Clara, Frieda, Maxine, Mabel, Nellie, and Phyllis; stepdaughter, Connie Rauch; Son, Mark Lanphier; two grandsons: Zachary Lanphier and John Rauch.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 28, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Dewayne Poe officiating.
Burial will be in the Bellefountaine Cemetery in Tracy. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Military Rites will be provided by the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W Honor Guard.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 27, 2019 starting at 12:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to great family and friends in the Bates Funeral Chapel.
Memorials may be made to the family.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Howard Earl Lanphier please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
