Othel I Lahnum

Othel “John” Ira Lahnum, of Nichols, NY formerly of Coldwater, MI passed away at 89 years of age on Monday January 7th, 2019 at Corning Hospital in Corning, NY. He was born in Angola, Indiana to Donald William Lahnum and Fannie Bell Lahnum (Marvin) on August 21st, 1929.

John served in the United States Army from 1950-1953, in the 82nd Airborne Division, where he was a paratrooper. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. After he left the army he worked as a sheet metal worker for American LeFrance Fire Truck Company.

He had many hobbies throughout his life. He was a boxer in the Home Guard with his brother Eugene, a golfer, a bowler, a skilled chess and card player, a motorcycle racer, a hunter, a skilled woodworker, an avid lifelong fan of Michigan sports teams, and a collector of many things. Later in life he became an active member of the Christian faith, spending most of his time with the Greater Valley Assembly of God in Athens, PA. There he developed a love of singing and music which he used to bring joy to many people. He had a big personality and always loved to joke or play pranks on people. He made friends wherever he went and touched the lives of many people. He loved to give small gifts like his ever present flashlights to anyone he met. He will be remembered fondly by all of his friends and family as a man who loved life, and knew how to have fun and bring that fun to those around him.

He is survived by his son Clyde (Karen) Lahnum, his grandsons Jeremiah (Lillian) Shafer-Lahnum, Joshua (Amanda) Dunbar-Lahnum, Joshua (Cheri) Jackson, and Benjamin (Michelle) Jackson. He was fortunate enough to also be survived by several great grandchildren, and many nieces, and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years Ida May Lahnum (Herrick), as well as his sister Eloise Bahl, and his brothers Gerald “Bud” Lahnum, Eugene Lahnum, and Kenneth Marvin.

Services will be held on January 11th between 10am and 12pm at the Greater Valley Assembly of God in Athens, PA. Anyone wishing to pay respects is invited to attend. A gathering of friends and family will also take place at the church after the service. Food will be available, but dishes to pass would be appreciated.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thomas Cremation and Funeral Service ,1297 Elmira St. Sayre, Pa. Those wishing to leave a sympathy message may do so at thomascremationfuneralservice.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Othel I Lahnum, please visit our floral store.