Samuel Max Lant, 86, of Biggsville, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at Oakwood Estates in Stronghurst, Illinois. He was born May 20, 1932 in Media, Illinois, the son of Samuel G. and Elsie E. Ahlers Lant. In 1972, He married Darlene Coombs. She preceded him in death on May 25, 2009.
Max served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, where he was awarded the Korean Service Medal and four Bronze Stars. He then worked as a plumber for Union Local 25 of Rock Island, Illinois for over 40 years, retiring in 1995. Max served as Mayor for the village of Biggsville for many years. He also served on the Biggsville Fire Department and the Biggsville Ambulance Service. He enjoyed camping, fishing, attending tractor shows, and collecting toy tractors. He was a member of the Biggsville American Legion and the Biggsville United Methodist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Debra (Mark) Lumbeck of Oquawka, IL, two sons, Marty (Joni) Lant of Northfield, MN, Jeff (Sarah) Lant of Burlington, IA, nine grandchildren, Jerad (Jamie) Johnson, Jena (Casey) Goff, Tyler (Emily) Lant, Taylor Lant, Zach Lant, Kaitlyn Lant, Todd Lant, Molly Cockrell, and Lucy Cockrell, two sisters, Gladys (Dan) Gulick of Kirkwood, IL, Phyllis Conner of Mt. Pleasant, IA, and one brother, Ivan Lant of Media, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two sisters, Kathryn Wallace and Carol McGeehon, and one brother, in infancy.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. May 18, 2019 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. Burial, with military rites will be in the Biggsville Cemetery. Visitation will be from Noon until 2:00 May 18th at the Banks & Beals. In lieu of flowers, A memorial fund has been established for Henderson County Hospice. Please visit Max’s obituary at banksandbeals to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.
