John Vernon “Diddle” Lanham of Knottsville left for his heavenly home Sunday, December 29, 2019 after reaching the age of 87. He died peacefully within his home with his beloved wife, Wanda, whom he called “Hon” for 65 years, his daughter, boys and their families by his side. He drifted away amongst tears, laughter, and stories of memories past.
Diddle was born March 22, 1932 near St. Lawrence to the late Joe and Rosie Morris Lanham. As a very young boy he learned to work hard. He spent his life farming, running a sawmill, raising cattle, and as a coal mine operator. Diddle loved taking road trips, always with a road map, none of that GPS nonsense for him. He loved the land and everything it provided. He raised a big garden, at first out of necessity, and later in life as a contest to see who could grow the first red tomato of the season. Diddle loved coon hunting, spending many hours fishing from his pontoon at Rough River and a good joke. He thoroughly enjoyed a good barbeque surrounded by his family. Diddle was a proud and honorable man and the strong patriarch of his family. He was a man of the Catholic faith and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He never took his good fortune for granted and always paid it forward.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Lanham also was preceded in death by his son, Johnny Lanham and grandson, Carl Lanham; brother, Bob Lanham and sister, Mary Lois Hagan.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Wanda Meserve Lanham; daughter, Sharon Russelburg (Richard); sons, Tony (Sandy), Kenny (Debbie), David, “Tater” (Janet), and Pat (Gail); 19 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren; sisters, Joan Payne of Knottsville and Dorene Russell (Frankie) of Owensboro; brothers, “Doodlebug” Lanham and Gene (Cynthia) Lanham of Knottsville; devoted caregiver, Annette Connor; a host of numerous nieces and nephews and other beloved friends and relatives.
A funeral Mass service will be 11:00 am Thursday at St. William Catholic Church. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2:00 until 8:00 with prayers at 6:30 pm and Thursday from 8:30 am until 10:00 am at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will be in St. William Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Passionist Nuns of Saint Joseph Monastery, 8564 Crisp Rd, Whitesville, KY 42378.
Memories and condolences for the family of John “Diddle” Lanham may be left at www.glenncares.com