Kenneth Earl Lantz

Kenneth Earl Lantz, 72, of Natchitoches passed away Oct. 2, 2010, at the Louisiana Extended Care Hospital of Natchitoches. Arrangements are being handled by Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 4. The funeral service will be at Westside Baptist Church at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5 with Dr. Bill Hudson and Sen. Gerald Long officiating. Burial will follow at Hargis Baptist Church Cemetery in Hargis. Kenneth was born Aug. 28, 1938, in Vivian. After graduating from North Caddo High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Northwestern State University in 1960. He attended Auburn University and finished his Master of Science in Fisheries Science at NSU in 1962. It was at NSU that Kenneth met his future wife, Glenda Lorene Jones. Kenneth began his biology career with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in 1961. He retired in 1997 after 35 years. He then started his own business, CenLa Aquatic Services so he could continue to combine his knowledge of fisheries, aquatic vegetation and water quality with his love for meeting people and being outdoors. He was an active member and deacon of Westside Baptist Church, where he served faithfully and whole-heartedly for over 35 years. Above all else, Kenneth Earl Lantz was a Christian. He demonstrated on a daily basis these Christ-like values and principles to his family, neighbors, clients and community. Even during his final days on earth, he ministered to all those around him, including hospital visitors and staff. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lillie Carter Lantz; sister, Dorleise Thompson; and brother, Robert Lantz. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Glenda Jones Lantz of Natchitoches; four children and their spouses, Jeff and Margie Lantz of Haughton, Mark and Sharon Lantz Anding of Minden, Keith and Lori Lantz Rhodes of Haughton and Derek and Tressa Lantz Ratchford of El Dorado, Ark.; nine grandchildren, Brent Lantz and wife Nadia, Casey, April and Emily Lantz, Justin and Matthew Anding, Zachary and Rachel Rhodes and Scott Ratchford; and one great-grandson, Kaleb. The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Javier Pere’, Dr. John Harris and the entire ICU staff at the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, as well as the entire rehabilitation staff at the La. Extended Care Hospital of Natchitoches. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kenneth’s name to the Westside Baptist Church Building Fund, 6834 Hwy 1 Bypass, Natchitoches, LA 71457.