Howard Lanney Obituary

Howard Edward Lanney, age 68, passed away peacefully at home in Columbiana on July 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on December 23, 1956, at Salem City Hospital, Howard lived a life full of purpose, laughter, creativity, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. On March 3, 1981, Howard married his high school sweetheart, Lisa (O'Brien) Lanney, at Lisbon Pleasantview Church, which began a lifelong partnership rooted in love and friendship. Together, they raised two children, Erin (Nicholas) Clemmer and Ian Lanney, and were blessed with three cherished grandchildren: Annah Bell, Leah Renee, and Alexander James Clemmer. To them, Howard was not only "Papa," but a daily presence as a teacher, playmate, and their most loyal fan. A proud graduate of United Local High School and Kent State University, Howard built a respected career as an electrician, working with IBEW Local #64. He lent his talents to his family's Firestone Electric (Salem), Joe Dickey Electric (North Lima), and Liberty Electric (Columbiana), earning the admiration of colleagues; including international teams who once called him "the one with the great knowledge." Known for his architectural eye and mathematical mind, he was a craftsman in every sense. Howard's love of music was a lifelong passion. In his younger years, he played in a rock band, often bringing his energy and talent as a drummer to local venues. A gifted musician who could play piano by ear, usually entertaining his children and grandchildren with rock n roll played on the baby grand- he never lost that creative spark. Later in life, he found joy traveling with his son's heavy metal bands, proudly supporting him from the side of the stage, helping with gear, and making countless memories on the road. Howard retired early to become a full-time grandfather, a role he embraced completely. He walked his grandchildren to and from school every day, regardless of the weather, and taught them at home during the COVID shutdown in what they fondly called "Papa School." He faithfully attended every sporting event, kept detailed stats for not just his grandkids but their teammates, and filled their lives with music, laughter, and love. Howard's passions were many: history (especially the Civil War), building guns, boating at the family lake house on Catawba Island, and motorcycles, particularly Harley-Davidson and Indian. His silly sense of humor, often built around fart jokes and playful teasing, made him endlessly endearing to everyone around him. Howard is survived by his loving wife, Lisa; his children, Erin (Nicholas) Clemmer and Ian Lanney; grandchildren Annah Bell, Leah Renee, and Alexander James Clemmer; brothers Kevin and Dennis Lanney; sister-in-law Teri Takach; and brother-in-law Chuck Takach. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Wilma (Firestone) Lanney; his grandparents Howard and Gertrude Firestone; and his in-laws Sandra Shessler and Joseph O'Brien. Howard will be remembered as a kind, brilliant, and deeply funny man whose legacy is etched into every laugh, every memory, and every moment shared with his family - the heart of his life and the source of his greatest joy. Family and friends can call on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 10-11am at Seederly-Mong and Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana with the funeral service beginning at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Soldier Samaritan. The Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana is entrusted with the arrangements. Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Howard Edward Lanney, please visit our floral store.