Frank Word Laning's Obituary
Frank Laning, a giant of a man. At the end of your life, it’s not about the things you leave behind, but rather the memories people are left with. Frank Laning left his people with a lifetime of memories of an extraordinary legacy he created. Frank was born on June 19, 1932 in Menard, Texas to Gomer and Elva Laning, and passed away peacefully at his home on May 12, 2021. Frank married the love of his life, Glenda Jane McBride in 1956, and they were married for 49 ½ years. They went on to have two precious daughters, Mitzie Lynn and Kimberly Joy whom he worked hard to provide a beautiful life for. Frank was a US Navy Veteran, serving two terms in the Korean War. After his military service, Frank went on to become a member of the Local 100 UA Plumbers and Pipefitters where he served on many committees, including their apprenticeship program, where he was a mentor to all. He was also a member of the Roy Stanley Lodge, where he was a 32nd Degree Mason. When Frank’s beloved wife, Glenda, went to be with the Lord 15 years ago, Frank made it his mission to not miss a beat, and fill the gap of the legacy Glenda had already created. Much to our surprise, he suddenly remembered each of our birthdays and always delivered our annual birthday money. He made it his mission to show up to all of the events in tow with that special pack of gum or candy as our treats…something our mother always did. Frank was a talker and boy could he tell the stories. Some we have heard more than one time, but we still let him tell us again. Frank had the most special relationship with his siblings, but especially with his brother Bobby, who was like a twin to him. When the two of them got together, the laughs didn’t stop. Frank loved everything outdoors, fishing, deer hunting, and especially loved his time spent at the ranch, whether it be Killeen, Katemcy, or Sweetwater Ranch, where he loved to check the cows and give his opinion on what needed to be done. He loved homemade banana ice cream, fried catfish, and especially Mexican food and margaritas, which he enjoyed a few days before passing. There were countless games of dominoes played at deer camp where they loved to swap tall tales late into the night. Frank was strong in his faith and attended Lake Pointe Mesquite where he had a strong bond with his beloved Sunday School group. Frank was a beloved Papa to five grandchildren, Jaimee, Bailey, Bradie, Jake, and Luke, whom all adored him. Frank never missed a single function of any of his grandchildren, no matter what it was. He loved all sports, especially anything his children or grandchildren participated in. At 80 years old, Frank even kept his first great-granddaughter, Collins, a couple of days a week for the first four years of her life. Frank was the baby whisperer and loved to hold all the babies. He remained strong right up until the Lord called him home. Frank is survived by his two daughters, Mitzie Baker and husband James; Kim Fisher and husband, Kyle; five grandchildren, granddaughters, Jaimee Crumpton and husband, Pat, Bailey Serra and her husband, Frankie, Bradie Rogers and her husband, Jake, grandsons, Jake Fisher and Luke Fisher; four great-grandchildren, Collins and Cass Crumpton, and Riggins and Rainey Rogers; sisters-in-law, Jolene Laning, Pauline Burnett and husband, Doug, Sharon Thomas, Annette Cornelius; brother-in-law, Mickey McBride; and a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved and adored. He was preceded in death by his faithful wife, Glenda Jane Laning; his parents, Gomer Laning and Elva Becknell; father-in-law, Gentry Bailey McBride; mother-in-law, Erah Mae McBride; brothers, William Carroll Laning, Paul Hartley Laning, Robert Hartley Laning; sister, Marjorie “Marjie” Carroll and husband, Orval; brothers-in-law, Edward Cornelius and Orbie Thomas; sister-in-law, Brenda McBride; nephews, Robert Cole Laning and Bill Laning; and great-granddaughter, Frankie Leigh Serra.
Visitation will be at 12 PM with service 1 PM Monday, May 17, both to be held at Lake Pointe Church, 3540 E Emporium Cir, Mesquite, TX. Interment will follow at Garden of Reflections at Restland Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX.
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