REVEREND CLARENCE EUGENE LANIER, 94, former Argonia, Kansas resident, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, March 15, 2012. He passed away at Brookdale Senior Living in Wellington, Kansas.

Born on May 17, 1917 on a farm near Atlanta, Kansas, he was the son of Cecil Hobart and Fannie Florence (Ketterman) Lanier. In 1919 the family made their way in a covered wagon to Pritchett, Colorado to be near family. Two years later the family moved to near Hugoton, Kansas and he attended school in a one-room schoolhouse. In 1923, the family returned to a farm near Atlanta.

Clarence entered the ministry in 1937. He was united in marriage to his long time sweetheart. Ruth Ella Lawrence on October 3, 1937 in Burden, Kansas. They made their home in Chandler, Oklahoma where he as pastor of the Friends Church.

A veteran of World War II., Mr. Lanier proudly served his country in the United States Army/AirForce. He served in US communications and was stationed in the jungles of Luzon, New Guinea and the Philippines.

Rev. Lanier pastored in Carthage, Missouri and Stafford, Liberal and Argonia, Kansas. He was in Argonia for 24 years and drew the blueprints as well as helped build the New Friends Church. Clarence retired in 1990 but continued to preach in other churches as needed and still performed several weddings and funerals. Ruth preceded him in death in 1980.

He was united in marriage to Frances Jane Patton on June 2, 1984 in Argonia.

He loved working in his yard and garden, taking long walks and bird watching. He also enjoyed working with wood, creating beautiful inlaid furniture.

His family includes:
His wife: Frances of Wellington, KS;
His son: Glen L. Lanier and wife Giny of Winfield, KS;
His step-daughters: Robyn Sanders and husband Dirk of Rose Hill, KS; and Gloria Fahring of Wichita, KS;
His sister: Clara Wilson of Winfield, KS;
His loving nieces: Audine Nichols and husband Gerald, Donna Hall and husband Dale of Winfield. KS; and Janice Krepps and husband Ray of El Dorado, KS;
His step-grandchildren; and
A host of extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents and first wife Ruth Ella, he was preceded in death by his son Richard Eugene Lanier.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at the Argonia Friends Church in Argonia. Interment will take place at 3:00 P.M., that afternoon at the Mount Vernon Cemetery southeast of Atlanta, Kansas.

A memorial has been established in Mr. Lanier's name for the Argonia Friends Church. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.