Todd Vanlaningham

VanLANINGHAM, Todd
Born in Winfield, KS. on July 9, 1956, was a resident of Sacramento. He died on January 27, 2008, surrounded by his family and friends. Todd had lived with cancer for five months. He is survived by his mother, Lois VanLaningham of Austin TX.; his father, E.L. VanLaningham and wife Dolores of Colorado Springs, CO.; sisters Jill VanLaningham of Garland, TX.; Chris VanLaningham-Perry and husband Don of Wichita, KS.; and brother, Kirk VanLaningham of Austin, TX. He is also survived by niece, Kelly Lancaster, and nephew, Drew Perry. Other family members are three uncles, five aunts, and 20 cousins. His grandparents and 2 uncles preceded him in death. Todd was the former pastor of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Sacramento. His second career was as a therapist in private practice. At the time of his death, he was also the Clinical Coordinator/Therapist for Sierra School at Edison. Along with these positions, he served the last ten years as the organist for Second Church of Christ, Scientist. He received a B.A. in Religious Studies from California State Northridge; an M.DIV. from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary; and another graduate degree in marriage and family counseling from California State Sacramento. Todd was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Sacramento. His memorial service will be held at the Cathedral on Saturday, February 2, at 10:00 a.m. A private burial will be held in Winfield, KS., his birthplace, at a later date. At that time, his ashes will be placed at the gravesite of his paternal grandparents. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone who ministered and gave loving support to Todd and the family during the past five months. He was deeply respected and loved by his family, co-workers and the adults and children he served. Memorials, as requested by Todd, to the American Cancer Society and Planned Parenthood.
Published in the Sacramento Bee on 1/31/2008.