JOSEPH DALE LANHAM, 82, of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, formerly of Freeburg, Illinois, passed away at 6:55 pm, Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Red Bud Regional Hospital, Red Bud, Illinois. He was born to the late Lawrence D. and Ena Iola (nee Wilson) Lanham in Rector, Missouri in August 7, 1930. He married Rosalita Mae Munden on July 8, 1951; she preceded him in the death. He then married Laura Sommer on February 14, 2007 in Chester, Illinois; she survives. He worked on the Freight Dock for Central States Local in St. Louis, Missouri. He then was a Coal Miner for Peabody Coal (River King) in Freeburg, Illinois for 18 years until his retirement. He was of the Christian Faith. He was a member of V.F.W. Post # 7074 in Freeburg, Illinois; Central State Local and U.M.W.A and former member of American Legion Post #622 in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois. He was an Army Veteran. Survivors: Wife Laura Lanham Prairie du Rocher, IL 6 Children Joseph (Rachel) Lanham Hartville, MO Lawrence (Linda) Lanham Freeburg, IL Linda (Jeff) Frantz Nashville, IL James (Tabitha) Lanham New Athens, IL Brenda (Bob) Brotherton Freeburg, IL Darold Lanham Fayetteville, IL 5 Siblings Kenneth "Wayne" (Sandy) Lanham Cloverdale, CA Robert (Loretta) Lanham Bunker, MO Jewell (Jim) Prugh Salem, MO Norman "Bud" (Donna) Griffith Salem, MO Ruth Johnson Canada 1 Sister-in-law Lorene Lanham Salem, MO Many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends Preceded in death by Parents, Wife - Rosalite, 1 Son - David "Dawg" Lanham, 1 Brother - Dean Lanham, 1 Step-Father - Frank Griffith, 1 Daughter-in-law - Jan Lanham Memorial Service: 7:00 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2013 First Baptist Church of Red Bud Officiating: Rev. Ben Chapman Interment: To be held at a later date in Bunker, MO Visitation: Thursday, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm First Baptist Church of Red Bud Memorials: Family Choice Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home, Red Bud, Illinois is assisting the family with arrangement.
