Lanny G. Heater's Obituary
Lanny G. Heater, age 83, of Winslow, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born January 6, 1941, in Fairfield, Iowa to Lincoln Gayle Heater and Mildred Fern Crafton.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Patricia Williams. He is a member of Our Lady of The Ozarks Shrine in Winslow.
He is survived by his wife Karen Young Heater; one daughter Katrina Patton and her husband Ken of Riverton, Wyoming; one son Lance Heater and his wife Beth of Southport, North Carolina; one sister Debra Johnston of Indianapolis, Indiana, and one grandchild, Logan Heater of Roanoke, Virginia.
Lanny was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving as an air traffic controller from 1961-65. It was during his deployment in France that he began his lifelong service as a volunteer at an orphanage and as a coach of a little league baseball team.
Upon returning to the states, Lanny joined the Keokuk, Iowa Jaycees. He was a true Jaycee up until his death. Lanny was elected President of the Davenport, Iowa Jaycees and was awarded a JCI Senatorship, #23429. When Lanny and Karen moved to Arkansas, he became involved in the Arkansas JCI Senate. Lanny served as State President, Region VII National Vice President and he was also Boss Hogg #1, Arkansas Razorback Corps. In the US JCI Senate he was elected as Executive Vice President in Milwaukee 1986 then in 1989 was elected as President of the US JCI Senate in Memphis, TN.
During his retirement, Lanny served as an usher for University of Arkansas sporting events. He was the first usher placed in charge of the Razorback Baseball Hog Pen and enjoyed interacting with fans.
Most of all, Lanny enjoyed spending time with family. Lanny and Karen were married for 62 years.
Graveside service will be 1:30 pm Thursday October 31, 2024 at the Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Arkansas Children's Hospital, or to a charity of your choice.
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