Edward Frank Lannigan

EDWARD FRANK LANNIGAN ASHEVILLE - Edward Frank Lannigan, of Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community, died Monday, March 17, 2014. He was born in Lakewood, Ohio on January 19, 1923, and remained in that area until the start of World War II. Immediately after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, 18 year old Edward joined the Marine Corps and was placed in the 4th division. He received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle on Saipan, and a second Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle on Iwo Jima. After the war he received a degree in Industrial Management and Engineering from Miami University, and attended Franklin University Law School. He retired as a senior vice president of Exxon. Throughout his adult life he volunteered his time and talents to numerous civic and charitable organizations. After retirement, Edward and his wife Patricia moved to Sanibel Island, Florida, where they lived for many years before moving to Asheville. They both loved the island, and Edward especially enjoyed captaining his boat, The Patrician. Edward was a world traveler. He enjoyed all kinds of music, and was a wonderful dancer. He was a fan of all sports, but Ohio State football was his particular favorite. First and foremost, though, he was a patriot. He loved his country deeply and passionately. Edward is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Lannigan, and his sisters: Edith Anthony, Helen Chinkers, and Alice Connor. He is survived by his daughters: Katherine Yoder of Olympia, WA, Laurie Lannigan (Sky Arsinchuck) of Rocky River, OH, and Jennifer Keeney (Michael) of Asheville; grandchildren Rachel Tate (John), of Asheville, and Jonathan Keeney (Shiyrah) of Chapel Hill; and three great grandchildren: Trevor and Danielle Tate and Axel Keeney. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2014 in the St. Giles Chapel on the Deerfield campus. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Salvation Army. West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave, Weaverville is assisting the family. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Lannigan's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2014 in the St. Giles Chapel on the Deerfield campus. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Salvation Army.