Dr. Richard H. Lanham, Jr.

COLUMBUS, IN

Dr. Richard H. “Dick” Lanham, Jr. 88, of Columbus, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Hope following a recent illness. He was born on October 23, 1935, in Shelbyville, Illinois to Richard H. and Fern (Lichtenwalter) Lanham. He graduated from New Albany High School in 1953, from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1958 and from the University of Louisville with a Master’s of Education. He was a member of the Broad Ripple Sertoma Club in Indianapolis. He attended Church at the Crossing and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis until his neurological condition limited his participation. Dick and his wife moved to Columbus in 2022. Dick spent 4 1/2 years in the Army, serving as a Podiatric Physician in San Antonio, Texas, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and West Point, New York between 1959 and 1964. He retired as a Captain and entered private practice of podiatric medicine in Clarksville, Indiana where he served his community for 24 years. Following his 24 years in private practice, Dick was hired as Dean for Academic Affairs at the California College of Podiatric Medicine, in San Francisco, California and later became President of CCPM from 1986 to 1994. Dr. Lanham was active in both the Indiana Podiatric Medical Association and a member of the Board of American Podiatric Medical Association, serving on many boards and commissions from 1979-1987 and was President of APMA from 1985 until 1986. He married Shirley A. Allen on July 31, 1959, in New Albany, Indiana. Dick is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, with whom he has celebrated 64 years of marriage. He is also survived by his daughter, Dr. Lisa (Rick) Lanham-Friesner and his son, Richard Allen Lanham both of Columbus; his six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Nancy Johnson; his brother-in-law, Johnny Johnson and his twin grandsons, Colton and Clayton Friesner. Dick loved the Lord and was looking forward to spending Christmas with Jesus. A celebration of Faith and Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the Community Church of Columbus with Rev. Jim Cook and Pastor Mike Mantooth officiating. A time of visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 3:00 p.m. Military honors will be conducted at the church at the close of the service. The family requests that memorial contributions may be made to the APMA Educational Foundation Scholarship Fund. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com.