ERNEST WILLIAM “BILL” LANTZ JR. Ernest William “Bill” Lantz, Jr., 81, of Rt. #1, Philippi, died Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at Mansfield Place, following a brief illness. He was born February 18, 1931, at Elkins, a son of the late Ernest William and Ruth Ellen (Tichnell) Lantz. On June 2, 1950, he married the former Etta Lee Love, who survives at Mansfield Place. Also surviving are two daughters, Deborah Inghram and husband, Mearl, Kimberly Heston and husband, Brian, all of Fairmont; four sons, Larry D. Lantz and wife, Joy, Grafton, Randall G. Lantz and wife, Tanny, Lost Creek, Jerry L. Lantz and wife, Amy, Tiffin, OH, Kevin W. Lantz, and wife Kerrie, Fairmont; four brothers, Troy Lantz, Stonewood, David Lantz, Clarksburg, Daryl Lantz, Jane Lew, Charles Lantz, Mt. Clare; three sisters, Mary Paugh, Fairmont, Genevieve America, Parkersburg, Geraldine Booth, Philippi; thirteen grandchildren, five great grandchildren and his faithful canine companion, “Bandit II”. He was also preceded in death by an infant son; by one sister, Opal Anglin and by an infant brother. Mr. Lantz was a former coal miner and truck driver. He was a member of Fairmont Lodge #175, A.F. & A.M., a 32nd Degree member of the Clarksburg Bodies, A.A.S.R., Osiris Shriners at Wheeling and the Taylor County Shrine Club. He was a life member of the N.R.A. and was a member of the Elk City United Methodist Church. He enjoyed farming and feeding and watching hummingbirds. Mr. Lantz’s request for cremation will be honored. Plans for a Memorial Service at the Elk City United Methodist Church are currently incomplete. The family requests that memorials be made in the form of contributions in Mr. Lantz’s memory to Hospice Care Corp., Post Office Box #385, Philippi, W.Va. 26416. Stemple & Forman Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements
