EMMETT JAMES LANEY

Emmett James Laney, 102, passed away on Monday, March 13, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield. He was born Feb. 2, 1921, in Billings, the son of James Elmer and Augusta Anna (Kraft) Laney.
He graduated from Billings High School in Billings in 1939, and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. He was a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Air Force and a member of the Quiet Birdmen and the United Church of Christ in Springfield.
In September 1942, he married Marie Ann Laney, they were married for 54 years when she passed away on Jan. 6, 1997. On Nov. 4, 2001, he married Ruth Colvin Laney in Springfield.
He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Ruth; one daughter, Diana Kraft Cupp, of Ft. Worth, Texas; one son, James Richard Laney and his wife, Roxanne, of Granbury, Texas; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Marie and two brothers, Gerald and Clifford Laney.
A visitation and funeral services were held on Thursday, March 16, at Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home, in Aurora. Burial followed at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery in Springfield.
Online condolences may be shared at www.CraftonCantrellFuneralHome.com.