Robert Lanier

Mr. Lanier, age 72, of Middleton, passed away Friday night, March 27, 2020, at the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

He was the son of the late Newt and Lillian Porter Lanier, a 1965 graduate of Middleton High School and received his Associate of Arts degree from Jackson State Community College. After marrying the former Cherlyn Ledford on Saturday, May 1, 1971, the Lanier's moved to Memphis for four years before returning to Middleton.

His career as a carman for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad ran from 1974 to his retirement in 1998. Also, he had served the Middleton First Baptist Church as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. Mr. Lanier served his country in the US Army overseas in Germany.

In his leisure time, Mr. Lanier enjoyed hunting, raising quail, gardening, golf and many other types of sports. However, his main focus was on God, church and family. He lovingly embraced his role to be the best father, "Papaw" and "Paw" he could for his children and grandchildren.

He leaves his wife of 48 years, Cherlyn Lanier of Middleton; two daughters, Tina Prescott of Medina, TN and Andrea Callahan (Brian) of Atoka, TN; one son, Lance Lanier (Amy) of Eads; two sisters, Peggy Sutherland of Vardaman, MS and Brenda O'Neal (Richard) of Bartlett; three brothers, J. W. (Patty), Kenneth (Elizabeth) and Max Lanier (Patti), all of Middleton; and 10 grandchildren, Seth, Charleigh, Rebekah and Hannah Callahan, Lilly, Lane and Leah Prescott, Jules and Jacie Lanier, and one grandson "on-the-way" at the end of May.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Raymond Sutherland.

Memorials may be sent to the Middleton First Baptist Church [www.middletonfbc.org] or Gideons International [www.gideons.org]

IN RESPONSE TO GOVERNOR LEE'S EXECUTIVE ORDER 17, WHICH TOOK EFFECT AT 12:01 AM MARCH 23, 2020, THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC VISITATIONS OR SERVICES THROUGH APRIL 5, 2020. WE APPRECIATE YOUR COOPERATION AND APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.