Robert Wayne “Bob” VanLaningham, 71, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Monday (November 10, 2014) at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

The son of Dee Jonas and Hester Emily (Ewing) VanLaningham, he was born January 20, 1943 in Kirksville, Missouri. On July 17, 1978 in Kirksville, Missouri, Bob was united in marriage to Eunice Helen Zucchi who preceded him in death on June 17, 2003.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Murrell VanLaningham, and three sisters, Sophie VanLaningham, Louise Johnston and Jessie Asher.

Bob is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Bobby Dale and Marcia VanLaningham and David and Tina VanLaningham all of Kirksville, MO; four daughters and two sons-in-law, Patty and Larry Jones of Des Moines, IA, Donna James of Kirksville, MO, Mary and Mike Richardson of Milan, MO and Kathy Attebery of Kirksville, MO; one brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Linda VanLaningham of Kirksville, MO; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Jeanetta and Duane Chrisman and Sue and Duane Lawson all of Kirksville, MO; twenty-three grandchildren, David, Mindy, Kevin, Brian, Beth, Rebecca, Kara, Cody, Dustin, George, Jennifer, Danny Ray, Ashley, Caleb, Michael, Philip and Roy, Tiffane, Donna, D.J., Drew, Quentin and Vanessa; as well as nineteen great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Bob received his education in the Hazel Creek rural school and Greentop High School. In 1978, Bob began working as a mechanic for Updyke Motors, later Lovegreen Ford where he was employed until retiring in 2005.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Early in life, Bob enjoyed racing stockcars. Bob looked forward to Sunday’s when he could be with his family barbequing and watching NASCAR.

Public visitation will be held Wednesday (November 12, 2014) with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday (November 13, 2014) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home with his son, David VanLaningham presiding. Interment will follow the service at Hazel Creek Cemetery, northwest of Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be D.J. Fountain, Drew Fountain, George James, Danny Barnes, David Moravek and Kevin Moravek. Honorary pallbearers will be Rodney May, Jerry Asher, Wayne Barnhill and Doug Hamilton.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bob VanLaningham may be made to Hazel Creek Cemetery. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.