POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday afternoon for former state Senator Charles Lanham.
Lanham, 87, of Point Pleasant, died Tuesday following a long successful career in business and public service.
Lanham was a banker but a community leader in many other ways. He served on the Pleasant Valley Hospital board for more than 50 years and also fought for the improvements on U.S. Route 35 for more than 40 years. He was well-known for his service way before he was appointed to the state Senate in 2004 to represent the 4th Senatorial District.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito issued a statement Thursday:
“West Virginia lost a great man this week with the passing of Charles Lanham. Charles was a true gentleman, a friend, and a leader who had a vision for his community. He worked tirelessly to build the case for expanding U.S. Route 35, and thanks to his efforts the project is nearly complete. I had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking for the final stretch of U.S. Route 35 with Charles in October,” said Senator Capito. “I also touted his efforts in my maiden speech on the Senate floor in March. Charles will be greatly missed, and I offer my deepest sympathy and prayers to his wife Lilly Faye and his family during this difficult time.”
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church in Point Pleasant.