Visitation will be held Saturday, February 2, 2013, from noon until service time at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola. Burial will follow in New Cleveland Cemetery.
Mr. Lanier was born in Cleveland to Charles and Eva Lanier. He was a Marine Veteran, serving in World War II in the Philippines. He continued his career with the military as Master Sergeant in the Air Force until his retirement in 1972. He was a member of the Air Force Association.
Mr. Lanier was a Baptist and played the violin, trumpet, guitar and steel guitar.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Johnnie Ruth Stafford Lanier; sister, Dora Holder of Wilmington, N.C., and brothers, Clarence Lanier of Van, Texas, and Harvey Lanier of Martins Mill, Texas.
Survivors include daughter Lorry Blackwell of Forrest; son, Earl Lanier Jr. of Richardson, Texas; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Online guestbook may be signed at www.burtonfuneralhome.net