Nelson F. Lanning

Nelson F. “Sonny” Lanning, 90 of Zanesville, passed away peacefully, Friday, April 11, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 2, 1934, in Zanesville, son of the late Fuller and Mary (Colgan) Lanning.

Nelson was a graduate of Lash High School class of 1952. After high school Nelson proudly served his country in the United States Army. He retired from Ohio Machinery after his retirement he enjoyed Valet Parking for Good Samaritan Hospital. He was a member of Coburn United Methodist Church. Nelson served on the Washington Twp. Volunteer Fire Department, as Assistant Chief, the EMT Unit and was a Past President of Muskingum County Firemens Assoc. He was a 65 year member of LaFayette Lodge #79 F&AM, York Rite, Aladdin Shrine, Order of Eastern Star – Olive Branch #251, Amrou Grotto, President of Grotto Clown Unit. One of his favorite things in life was being a Grotto Clown. “Chuckles” the clown loved seeing the children smiling during the parades. He also loved deeply his fellow clowns and their families.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing golf, was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was always available to lend friends a helping hand. His children always said, “My dad can fix anything.”

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carolyn (Stiers) Lanning, whom he married April 5, 1957; a son, Jeffrey J Lanning and Daughter, Staci Ann (Richard) Palmer. As well as his grandchildren, including Dr. Amanda Palmer, Brad (Caroline) Palmer, Gianna Palmer (his Pumpkin) and Kyle Lanning, Bouns Grandsons, Edward (Rebecka) Davis, Tony (Melissa) Burgess & Logan Parker; Great-Grandchildren, Wyatt and Luke Palmer, sisters-In-law Kay Wheeler & Sandy Stiers, nephews; Michael (Mary) Smith, David (Ellen) Smith, Marty (Lynn) Smith, Keith Best (Becky), Doug (Lisa) Wheeler, Dan (Debbie) Wheeler, Greg (Debbie) Stiers and nieces; Shelley (Paul) Cipolla, Tammy (Robbie) Edwards, and Tina (Troy) Edwards. He will be missed by his furry companions, Teddy, Heddie, & Tater.

In addition to his parents, Nelson was preceded in death by his Father-In-Law & Mother-In-Law Alexander & Cleda (Quimby) Stiers, his sister and brother-In-Law, Nancy (James) Smith, sister-In-Law, Bonnie Roush (Albert Schenk), (Charlie Roush); brother-In-Laws, Sidney Stiers and Bernard Wheeler, and nieces; Debbie Best and Lisa Dickinson. He will be missed by many great-nieces and nephews; especially his bonus “daughters” who always called him Dad.

Friends and family may call Wednesday, April 16 from 5:00 PM till 8:00 PM. Memorial Services will be held at 7:30 PM followed by a Masonic Service by LaFayette Lodge #79. BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1271 Blue Avenue, Zanesville. A graveside service will be held on Thursday April 17th 11:00 a.m. at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery, with full military honors accorded to him by the United States Army in conjunction with VFW George Selsam Post 1058. His nephew, Reverend Michael Smith will officiate Wednesday evening, and Pastor Mark Raaker will officiate the graveside service onThursday.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Genesis Hospice Care Team.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Coburn United Methodist Church 3618 Maple Ave. Zanesville, 43701, Washington Twp Fire Department, 2310 Adamsville Road, Zanesville, Ohio 43701 or Falls Twp Fire Department, 3095 Dillon Falls Road, Zanesville, Ohio 43701

To send a note condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food; www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.