Richard Leroy Lantis

Richard Leroy Lantis, 96, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, October 8, 2018. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, October 13, 2018, at the Centropolis Christian Church. Inurnment Highland Cemetery of Ottawa, with military honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Richard was born Friday, August 25, 1922 on a farm south of Ottawa, Kansas. He was the son of William Lantis and Flora (Pearce) Lantis. A lifelong resident, Richard made his home in rural Ottawa until his death. He graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1941. Richard served his country in the United States Army during World War II from October 30, 1942 until January 5, 1946 attaining the rank of Tech Sgt. He received the World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European Theater Ribbon with 3 Service Stars and the Purple Heart. He served in the 778th Tank Battalion. On August 24, 1946 he married his grade school sweetheart, Esther L. Pritchard. She preceded him in death on October 6, 2014 after 68 years of marriage. He is survived by two children, Calvin Lantis of Princeton and Judy Kelsey and husband Karl of Ottawa; daughter-in-law, Carol Ann Lantis of Ottawa; four grandchildren, Barbara Fisher and husband Jim of Paola, Dan Fehling and wife Tori of Ottawa, Leigh Ann Nyquist and husband John of Ottawa, Paul Lantis and wife Jessica of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and six great grandchildren, Zachary and Nicholas Fisher, Madison and Delayna Fehling, Joe Lantis and Lucy Moore. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents, William and Flora Lantis; and four sisters, Evelyn Lantis, Thelma Lane, Neva Fuller and Verna Lee Walsh. After the war Richard returned to Ottawa and worked for Ralph Moore as a carpenter. Later he became partners with Ralph forming Moore and Lantis Construction. He also was partners with Virgil Ecord. He left carpentry work in 1964 and went to work for Reid Ward at Skyhook as an installation lead man, retiring in 1988 after 24 years. His most treasured days were with his grandchildren and great grandchildren on the farm. He will be remembered for his stories and as an honest, hard worker. He will be missed deeply by his family and friends. The family suggests memorial contributions to Good Shepherd Hospice or the Centropolis Christian Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Richard’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com