Birth date: Jan 15, 1989 Death date: Mar 17, 2023
John William "Will" Van Laningham, 34, died Friday, March 17, 2023, in a car accident in Hazen, Ark. He was born Jan. 15, 1989, in Little Rock to Kathy Mandrell Van Laningham and Scott Van Laningham. Will’s love of music was mat Read Obituary
We remember Will being the guitar player with our son, Cody, during their high school garage band days. Will had such stage presence and we loved having you guys out to our house on Wyman Road to share their music. He’s gone far too soon, but memories are eternal. Thinking of you as you grieve his passing.
Rob and Vicky Strange
Will and I shared a love for so many things, and we enjoyed all of them together: pick-up basketball, golf, public policy, conversation, Razorback games, music. I'll miss him dearly. The memories are too many to name. But he was the same big-hearted Will in every memory, a joy to be friends with.
-Grant West
Kathy and Scott I’m so sorry to hear of this tragic loss… thinking of y’all during this difficult time. Kathy DeBons Bay
A special memory of Will.
Roberto, Mariana, Clara, Will and me performed an outdoor gig for St Patricks day on a cold Spring morning. We had an amazing time and then recorded this video on the way home. As you can tell from the video..it was a very happy moment for us all.
I was fortunate enough to have met Will during his 2 year stint in Madrid. We played music together, partied together and shared many a deep,long conversation about women,sport & politics over an ice cold beer.
Will was an exceptional human being. He enthralled us with his passion and lust for life. His knowledge and understanding of things he was passionate about was truly inspiring. He was a sensitive caring soul whose warmth and naturalness endeared him to everyone he came in to contact with.
Will was also a talented musician. Music was his soul. It was his happy place.On stage, one could feel the vibe taking him over as his natural affinity with Music inspired him to just let go and come alive. In those instances, Will transcended the moment.
Whenever I hear Michael Jackson's Man in The Mirror I will forever see Will wowing the crowd with his " Shamone," channeling the spirit of Jacko into his performance.
Will was admired, respected and loved by so many. His passing has brought me great sadness.
They say only the good die young.
In this instance, God has taken an awesome young man.
May he rest in peace.
My condolences and deepest sympathies to Kathy, Scott and family.
I was deeply saddened to hear this tragic news today. Will was a student of mine about 12 years ago. I remember him sitting in class so calm, intelligent, and good-hearted. He was an excellent philosopher, full of curiosity and genuine decency. I know that he had many other interests and passions -- music stands out in particular. He had a vibrant mind and personality. My condolences to his family and close friends.
Eric Funkhouser
Dear Kathy and Scott, please accept my heart-felt sympathies in the loss of your son Will. Praying the blessings of joyful memories comfort you. --Becky Morrison
Kathy and Scott, Richard and I were sad to hear of Will's passing. We are so sorry for your loss and are keeping you in our hearts, Jan & Richard Weiss Little Rock
