Dr. Livius Lee Lankford's Obituary
DALLAS – Livius Lee Lankford, MD, a distinguished orthopedic surgeon who was a pioneer in hand surgery, died peacefully on August 16, 2009. Livius Lee was born November 9, 1917, in De Valls Bluff, AR to Lucie Lee Jones and the Honorable Eugene Lankford. After graduating from Cisco High School in 1935, he earned his bachelor’s degree in bacteriology from the University of Texas in Austin, followed by his medical doctorate from the University of Texas in Galveston. Upon completion of an internship at University of Pennsylvania Graduate Hospital in 1947, he married Jean Louise Ulsh Miller. Together they had two children, Larry and Nancy, and enjoyed a long and happy marriage until Jean’s death in 2001. Beginning in 1947, Dr. Lankford served three years in the US Navy Medical Corps and saw sea duty aboard the USS Leyte. Upon his discharge, he completed an additional five years of orthopedic training and in 1953, moved his young family to Dallas and after a stint as Chief of Orthopedic Service at the Dallas VA Hospital, established his practice of orthopedic surgery. During his prodigious medical tenure, Dr. Lankford served as Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at The University of Texas Health Science Center of Dallas; Director, Hand Surgery Service, at Parkland Memorial Hospital; and was a member of Teaching Services for the Department of Orthopedics at Baylor University Medical Center. He was involved in many medical associations and served as chairman of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and was both Vice President and President of the North Texas Chapter of Western Orthopedic Association. In his later years, Lee was an active member of the Dallas Council on World Affairs and enjoyed the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He was an avid fan of UT Football, holding season tickets. Dr. Lankford was a kind, generous, loving man who will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his wife Jean, his parents, and brothers Eugene Lankford and Charles Ely Lankford. He is survived by his loving family: son, Lawrence Eugene Lankford and wife Robin, and daughter Nancy Lee Lankford; grandchildren Laura Lankford and Christine Lankford; great-grandson Ryan Wells; sister-in-law Fran Lankford, MD; beloved nieces and nephews; his dear friend and companion Georgette Griffith; and many cherished friends and valued colleagues. The Lankford family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ysleta Johnson and Dr. David Winter for their immeasurable kindness and service. Visitation is Wednesday, August 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral services are Thursday, August 20, at 3:30 at Restland Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Restland Memorial Gardens.
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