## Narrative Summary of the Obituary

Earl Benjamin Lankford Sr., 78, of Hampton, died 11 Apr 2003. Born 1 Oct 1924 in Newport News, he was survived by his wife Verma, six children, a sister, 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

## Narrative Summary of Funeral Services

Funeral services were to be held at West Hampton Baptist Church, with the date and time pending. Peninsula Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

## Transcript

Earl Benjamin Lankford Sr

1 OCT 1924 - 11 APR 2003

EARL BENJAMIN HAMPTON

Earl Benjamin Lankford Sr., known to his friends as Benny, departed this life to be with his Saviour on April 11, 2003. After a long illness, he died at home peacefully.

A native of Newport News, he graduated from Newport News High School in February 1943. He resided in Hampton for the past 50 years.

He will be lovingly missed by his wife of 57 years, Verma M. Lankford; his children, Nancy L. Smith and her husband, Tom, Paula M. Lankford, Gloria L. McDaniels, Earl B. Lankford Jr. and his wife, JoAnn, Dianne L. Bell and her husband, Steve, Kathi L. Christiansen and her husband, Jack. Mr. Lankford is also survived by his sister, Anna L. Britt and her husband, Emory. Mr. Lankford loved, and will be greatly missed, by his 11 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Mr. Lankford was a longtime member of West Hampton Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Deacons, Training Union Director, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader and Boy Scout Master. He was also a member of the Senior Choir and Greeter at the Community Luncheon. He was instrumental in establishing the Annual Fall Round-Up wherein his Brunswick Stew became an annual tradition. He continued as organizer and chief chef for 45 years.

Mr. Lankford was a veteran of the Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force and served honorably during WWII and the Korean Conflict.

Mr. Lankford cherished his membership in the Roger's Rangers.

Funeral services will be held at West Hampton Baptist Church with the date and time pending at this time.

The family will be at the residence. Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Newport News, Virginia
Daily Press
13 Apr 2003
Page 42
Obituary for EARL LANKFORD SR.

[Birth:  1 OCT 1924 - Newport News, Virginia, USA]
[Death: 11 APR 2003 - Hampton, Virginia, USA]

## Vital Statistics Summary

| Name    | Earl Benjamin Lankford Sr.                  |
|---------|---------------------------------------------|
| Age     | 78                                          |
| Birth   | 1 October 1924; Newport News, Virginia, USA |
| Death   | 11 April 2003; Hampton, Virginia, USA       |
## Table of Relationships

| Name                       | Relationship          | Residence |
|----------------------------|-----------------------|-----------|
| Earl Benjamin Lankford Sr. | Decedent              | Hampton   |
| Verma M. Lankford          | Wife                  | Unknown   |
| Nancy L. Smith             | Daughter              | Unknown   |
| Tom Smith                  | Son-in-law            | Unknown   |
| Paula M. Lankford          | Daughter              | Unknown   |
| Gloria L. McDaniels        | Daughter              | Unknown   |
| Earl B. Lankford Jr.       | Son                   | Unknown   |
| JoAnn Lankford             | Daughter-in-law       | Unknown   |
| Dianne L. Bell             | Daughter              | Unknown   |
| Steve Bell                 | Son-in-law            | Unknown   |
| Kathi L. Christiansen      | Daughter              | Unknown   |
| Jack Christiansen          | Son-in-law            | Unknown   |
| Anna L. Britt              | Sister                | Unknown   |
| Emory Britt                | Brother-in-law        | Unknown   |
| Unnamed                    | 11 Grandchildren      | Unknown   |
| Unnamed                    | 5 Great-grandchildren | Unknown   |
## Publication Details

| Newspaper      | Date           | Page   | Location               |
|----------------|----------------|--------|------------------------|
| Daily Press    | 13 Apr 2003    | 42     | Newport News, Virginia |
## Other Relevant Information

Earl Benjamin Lankford Sr. was a veteran of the Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force, serving during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was a longtime member of West Hampton Baptist Church, where he held various positions including Chairman of the Deacons, Training Union Director, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, and Boy Scout Master. He was also a member of the Senior Choir and Greeter at the Community Luncheon. Mr. Lankford was instrumental in establishing the Annual Fall Round-Up, where his Brunswick Stew became a tradition. He continued as organizer and chief chef for 45 years. He also cherished his membership in the Roger's Rangers.