Joe Wayne Lanier

Joe W Lanier passed away Sunday August 30, 2015. Born April 13, 1931 in Eastland, TX, he was preceded in death by his parents GB and Verna Lanier and daughter Linda Jo Lanier. Joe leaves his devoted companion Maggie Smith, his son Leslie Lanier and wife Rosie, daughters Marlee and Lisa Lanier, grandson Justin Rowan and wife Kara, granddaughter Kami Madsen and husband Chris, grandson Colton Lanier, granddaughter Courtney Lanier, great grandsons Dean and Grady Madsen and Dallas E Smith, a friend and the son of Maggie. Many referred to Joe as “Papa Joe”. He leaves many other good friends. Joe moved to Abilene from Eastland at the age of 12. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1948 and attended Baylor and graduated from Hardin Simmons in 1953. Joe was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. Joe served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force. He later lived in Monahans where he was a general contractor and owned and operated a lumber yard. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, September 3, 2015 the in Fort Stockton East Hill Cemetery in Fort Stockton, TX where Maggie, his soul mate of many years, will be buried beside him. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.