Donald Lawrence Lantz Jr. Obituary
Ret Lt Col Donald (Don) Lawrence Lantz, Jr of Richmond TX passed away Friday February 24, 2023 at the age of 87. Don was born January 29, 1936 in Clarksburg WV to Donald L Lantz Sr and Statie Hope Smith Lantz. His family moved to Shreveport LA when Don was in 7th grade. He attended LSU and while there joined the US Air Force ROTC earning the Distinguished Military Student Award for national defense, patriotism, and devotion to duty. He graduated May 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and was commissioned in the US Air Force in July. He was then stationed in Malden MO where he met his wife, Dorothy (Dotty) Stewart in church. They were married shortly thereafter in October for 65 wonderful years.
Don earned multiple awards and medals throughout his military career, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Meritorious Service Medal. After a 28-year highly decorated career in the US Air Force as a Navigator, he retired in July 1986.
Don went to work with a local Jeep dealership in Shreveport selling cars until promoted to ordering inventory, a job he thoroughly enjoyed.
Next, Don attended Louisiana Tech where he achieved a second Bachelor of Science degree in 1992. This time in Chemistry. He went on to earn his teaching certificate and taught high school Chemistry and Physics in Bossier City Louisiana for 10 years. He was a popular teacher, starting a chess club and earning teacher of the year.
After retirement, Don and Dotty moved to Richmond Tx to be closer to family. Don enjoyed many hobbies, from racing sports cars, photography, bass fishing and family.
Don was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Dorthy Bush. He is survived by his wife Dotty, his daughters; Janet Flood (John), Cynthia Rowe (David), Tracye Han (Yong). And was known as Papa D to his grandchildren; Brandon, Taylor, Chad, Shane, Jessie, Paige, Sydney, Lantz and Lawrence and seven great grandchildren.
Memorial service Saturday March 4th at 1:00 pm Christ Church-Sugarland TXIn lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Helping Hands, Richmond TX – roserichhelpinghands.org.
