Dean L. Lanphere, 95

Dean L. Lanphere, 95, of Highland died on Monday, July 20, 2015 at Faith Care Center in Highland.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 25 at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland. A memorial service will follow the visitation at the church, with the Rev. Will VerDuin, associate pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla., at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland.

He was born Aug. 7, 1919 in Denrock, Ill., to Hubert and Nona (Bosomworth) Lanphere.

Mr. Lanphere loved life, and his was full and adventurous.

He served his country as a bomber pilot in World War II in New Guinea, the Pacific theater, flying 58 missions.

He retired from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an air traffic controller. He then studied horticulture, graduating from Broward Community College.

He was wagon master for Winnebago caravans to Alaska and Canada.

He was a member of Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland. He was also an active member of the Highland Optimists, the Shriners, where he entertained children as a clown, and he was a life member of Lee Iten American Legion Post 439 in Highland. Last Veterans Day, he was grand marshal of the Highland parade.

Survivors include daughters, Denise A. (Ken) Crisler of Navarre, Fla., and Jodeane S. Ferrara of Pembroke Pines, Fla.; a step-son, Jerry L. (Roberta) Dauderman of Newport Beach, Calif.; grandchildren, Darren L. (Kristen) Martenson, Erik A. Martenson, Lori S. (Greg) Neal and Amy D. Lyons; three step-grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Geneva M. (Presnell) Lanphere; his second wife, Katherine M. (Crick) Lanphere; and this third wife, Gladys M. (Hitz) Lanphere, who died on June 17, 2014.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

This story was originally published July 20, 2015 at 1:29 PM with the headline "Dean L. Lanphere, 95."