Gordon L. Lantrip

January 11, 1933 - January 3, 2016

Gordon L. Lantrip, age 82, of Marion, IL passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family at 9:20 p.m. on Sunday, January 3, 2016. Gordon is survived by his wife, Shirley (Pearce) Lantrip; children, Beth Harris and husband Paul of Salem, IL; Tom Lantrip and wife Paula of Floyds Knobs, IN and Jeff Lantrip and wife Kim of Herrin, IL; seven grandchildren, Jason and Cory Harris of Salem, IL, Jared Harris of St. Louis, MO, Jenny and Blake Knapp of Salem, IL, Deedra Armstrong of Evansville, IN, Brittney Lantrip of Floyds Knobs, IN, Kendra Lantrip of Marion, IL and Venessa Lantrip of Herrin, IL and seven great-grandchildren. Gordon is also survived by sister, Jearran Fravel and husband Bob of Pensacola, FL, many nieces and nephews, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Holland and Amy Lantrip of Johnston City, IL; brothers, Charles Lantrip and Bill Lantrip; sisters, Audrey Doerr and Lorene Calufetti. Gordon was born on Wednesday, January 11, 1933, in Johnston City, IL to Holland and Amy (Burns) Lantrip. He attended school in Johnston City and was a graduate from Johnston City High School in 1950. Gordon was united in marriage to Shirley Pearce on Saturday, June 6, 1953, in the Washington Avenue Baptist Church in Johnston City, and together they have shared over 62 years of marriage. He attended Lockyear Business College in Evansville, IN and then served in the United States Navy from 1951-1955. While in the Navy, he was stationed in Miami, FL and was a member of the Miami Springs Baptist Church. It was there that he answered the call to full time ministry. After serving in the military, he attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL and graduated in 1958. He then attended Carver School of Missions that was affiliated with Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. In 1961, Gordon came to the Baptist Children’s Home in Carmi, IL to become the assistant administrator. After four years in that position, he left in 1965, to get his Masters Degree in social work at the University of Louisville. Upon graduation, he returned to Baptist Children’s Home in Carmi in 1968, as Director of Social Services. In 1971, Gordon became the Resident Director and held that position until 1981, when he left to become Director of Family Services for the state of Alaska. He also specialized in private marriage counseling in Anchorage, Alaska. He held that position for 13 years until he retired in 1994, and they returned to Johnston City, IL until 2014, when they moved to Marion. After retirement, Gordon was pastor of New Dennison Baptist Church, located southeast of Marion, for several years. He also was interim pastor at Center Baptist Church of Crab Orchard, IL and Fairview Baptist Church located south of Crab Orchard. Arrangements for Gordon L. Lantrip were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL. The visitation was from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6th, at the funeral home. The visitation resumed from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2016, at the Second Baptist Church, located at 308 South Russell Street, of Marion, IL. Following the time of visitation the funeral service was at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Doug Devore and Rev. Mark Mohler presiding. Interment followed in Lakeview Cemetery of Johnston City, IL. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to the “Baptist Children’s Home” of Carmi, IL and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes were available at the funeral home and the church. The family would like to thank the Veteran’s Administration and Hospice of Southern IL for their kindness and care provided. For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.