John Anthony Lanty, 78, passed away December 18, 2013. John was born in Syracuse, NY where he was raised by his parents Charlie Dehner and Mildred Leiboult Dehner. John's earliest years were spent on a dairy farm in central New York with his parents. He developed a great love of hunting and shooting from his beloved grandfather, known as "Gramp" Leiboult. He was John's best friend and mentor. John had the reputation of being the best marksman in the community.

Upon graduating high school, he attended Cornell University for 2 years and finished his degree at Syracuse University. He graduated Syracuse with a bachelor's degree in Geology and Marketing. He lettered on the university rifle team in 1956 and played football with the legendary Jim Brown. After graduating college, he married his first wife and had 3 children: Kevin, Susan, and Matthew.

He tried his hand at dairy farming for many years. He had a deep love of horses, especially quarter horses. He bred and trained racehorses for several years. His favorite horse, whom he always spoke dearly of, was Hank Diamond, because of the white diamond on his forehead.

He eventually quit farming and began his career as a large construction equipment salesman, which he truly loved. He took a job with Case Equipment Sales in Syracuse and became the company's top sales man.

After the demise of his first marriage, he met his beloved wife Patsy, or "Pat" as she was lovingly known. He moved to San Antonio, Texas and continued his successful sales career with Wehring-Goss Equipment Sales. He worked there for 17 years.

He finished his career at Motel 6, where Patsy and he were able to work together as managers of various motels in the south Texas area. He then retired and moved to Johnson City where he spent the last 13 years.

He will be best remembered as a loving father and grandfather. He was tough, but gentle; consistent and available. He never failed to express how he felt about things, usually in a very colorful manner. He loved spending time with his family, and sharing stories of hunting, horses, shooting, Gramp, and his favorite dog "Hoss" the Rotweiler.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 39 years, Patsy Ruth Lanty; grandson, Chad Marbach; and brother, James Lanty. John is survived by his three children, Kevin Lanty and wife Allison, Susan Lanty, and Matt Lanty and wife Heeyah; step children, Pamela Dechert and husband Wallace, Dale Burks and wife Jane, Linda Maritan and husband Mickey, and Debbie Marbach and husband Bruce; brother, Bruce Dehner; sister, Linda Batsford and husband Jerry; fifteen grandchildren, Tammy, Tiffany, Lindsay, Jacob, Sarah, Amiee, Jamee, Aprill, Heather, Brett, John Phillip, Linda, Josiah, and Casey; eleven great grandchildren, Isabella, Sophia, Kate, Cameron, Lillian, Braeden, Landon, Grace, Kyle, Colby, Kylie, and one on the way.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Liberty Lighthouse Fellowship, 321 Old River Crossing, Johnson City, TX with Rev. Jimmy Boatright officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.