Jerry Allen Lanning

Major Jerry Allen Lanning (USAF Ret.), 78, of Sherwood, Arkansas peacefully passed away on December 7, 2015 surrounded by his loving family following a nine year battle with cancer that he fought bravely and without complaint. Jerry was born on March 28, 1937 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to his late parents, Russell Everett and Mary B. Lanning. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Omaha, and later completed his MBA at the University of Utah. Jerry proudly served his country honorably as a pilot in the Air Force, retiring in 1979. He flew B-47, B-52 and C-130 missions over the course of his military career. He met and married the love of his life, Penelope (Penny) Bliss in 1961 in Lincoln, Nebraska. They had 54 blessed years of marriage, and were true soulmates. Jerry was a modest man with a great sense of humor. He loved his family, his country, golf and the St. Louis Cardinals. He and Penny enjoyed traveling in their retirement and spending time with the many friends they made over the course of Jerry's military career. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Penny Lanning of Sherwood; son, Russell Allen (Valli) Lanning of North Little Rock; daughter, Jane Ellen Lanning of Sherwood; and daughter, Amy L. (Michael) Sinks of Little Rock; four grandchildren, Brittney Nicole Lanning, Declan Andrew Lanning, Daniel Patrick Lanning and Cade Michael Sinks; brother, Russell M. (Linda) Lanning of Williamsburg, Virginia and sister, Ann Lanning of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The family is deeply grateful for the prayers and support from all while Jerry battled cancer with all that he had. They would like to particularly thank Dr. Omer Khalil and his staff for the care and respect that they provided. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held on Thursday, December 10 at 10 a.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Sherwood, followed by a celebration of his life at 11 a.m. at Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501)224-2200. Jerry's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.