Voyit James Lanter

Voyit James Lanter, 90, formerly of Beckemeyer, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2015, at the Carlyle Healthcare Center. He was born April 13, 1925 in Beckemeyer to Hugh and Onie (Crutchfield) Lanter. He retired from the Illinois State Police in 1979, and was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the American Legion. He married the former Linda Barrett on August 31, 1985, and she survives.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark; his great grandson West Cornelison, six brothers: Ralph, Kenneth, Odel, Cleadous, Karson, and Dale; and a sister Gwenola Bauer.

On July 28, 1946 he married the former Juanita Rhodes, and survivors include their children Marjory (Jim) Danehy of St. Johns Florida, Denice (Kevin) Brumitt of Wood River, Darla Hetzel of Troy, Brian (Kathy) Lanter of Carlyle, and Jodie Lanter of Carlyle; He is also survived by a sister, Fern Kamler, of Florissant, MO; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Voyit served proudly in the United States Marine Corp during World War II as a mortar gunner with the 5th Marine Division. He was among the troops that landed on Iwo Jima in February 1945, and was one of nine survivors from his company of 230 men that bravely fought on the island during the 33 day campaign.

As a youth Voyit participated in baseball, basketball, and track, and went on to manage numerous youth baseball teams. He was also an umpire for Clinton County and high school baseball. For many years he served as Vice-President of the Clinton County Baseball League, as well as the Baseball Chairman for the American Legion 23rd District. He was named the Illinois Amateur Baseball Coach of the year in 1987, and in 2004 was inducted into the Clinton County League Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1964 he organized the first Carlyle American Legion Baseball Club, and was believed to be Illinois’ winningest Legion coach when he retired 33 years later with a record of 1018 wins and 220 losses. His teams were considered among the Midwest’s premier squads. They competed at the National, Regional, and State levels, and won numerous Division and District championships, as well as the 1982 Illinois State Championship. Many of his players went on to earn college scholarships and several played professional ball. While coaching American Legion Baseball, he also served as a scout for the Kansas City Royals.

Funeral services will be held for Mr. Lanter at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Carlyle with Pastor Steven Sommerer officiating. Burial will follow at Beckemeyer Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 25, 2015 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at Nordike Funeral Home in Carlyle and on Saturday from 9:00 until 11:00 AM at Messiah Lutheran Church in Carlyle.
Memorials in honor of Voyit are suggested to Messiah Lutheran Church and will be accepted at Nordike Funeral Home.