Charles W. Lanham was born on August 1, 1934 in Sheldon, Iowa to Max and Myrtle Lanham. He was the youngest of 4 children and grew up on the family farm outside of Paulina, Iowa.
When Charles was old enough, he helped his father care for the farm and livestock. Charles took great pride in caring for his prized bull and in 1954, he received the Grand Champion Bull award for his Polled Shorthorn Bull at the Northwest Iowa Show and Sale. It was through his love of music that he met his future wife, Alice Phillips of Sutherland, Iowa, which to this day he confesses was the “love of his life”. They continued singing together in choirs across the country.
Charles was drafted into the US Army in 1954. While serving in the military, Charles and Alice were married on New Year’s Day in 1956. They had 2 daughters, Pam and Cindy. He did an amazing job juggling his new role as a father while attending college at the University of Iowa and working 2 jobs. Charles graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 1961.
His 43-year career in corporate insurance took him to some wonderful cities on the East Coast. The family slowly worked their way west and eventually settled in lisle, Illinois outside of Chicago in 1973. It was there where they welcomed the world of parenting again, raising their granddaughter, Nickole. After retiring in 2004, Charles and Alice made their way to Rapid City, SD where they could enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills and be close to their daughter and son-in-law. He found time to volunteer and served 13 years on the Advisory Board for the Liberal Arts Department at the University of Iowa.
Charles was an accomplished woodworker. His wood of choice was black walnut from trees grown on his family farm. Charles and Alice spent years hiking, camping, and exploring the South West, finding Kodachrome State Park in Utah as one of their favorite places to camp. At age 80, he felt it was time to retire the camping gear.
Although the end of the road was a little bumpy, it was a rich and fulfilling life. Charles is survived by his wife, Alice; daughter, Cindy Lanham (Michael Slyder); granddaughter, Nickole Lanham (Tommy Murray); granddaughter, Jennifer Tagle; and great-granddaughters, Lake and Pamela. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; and daughter, Pam.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a service will be held at a later date at the First United Methodist Church in Sutherland, Iowa.
Arrangements are with Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City, SD.