OBITUARY: WILLIAM O. LANTZ William O. “Billy” Lantz, 90, of Rt. #4, Philippi, Jerusalem Community, died Sunday evening, September 19, in the Monongalia General Hospital, Morgantown, following an extended illness. He was born July 12, 1920, on the farm which still served as his home, a son of the late Willis O. and Gay (Bryan) Lantz. On April 17, 1943, he married the former Lucille Marie Thomas, who preceded him in death on April 11, 1994. Survivors include one sister, Mrs. Dorothy Swanson, Philippi; 21 nieces and nephews and a host of grand nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a brother – in – law, Norwood “Swede” Swanson, by a nephew Norman Swanson and a grand nephew, Tim Swanson. Mr. Lantz was a graduate of Philippi High School He was a lifelong farmer and was a former National Farmer of the Year. He was a founding director and currently served as Chairman of the Board of Appalachian Financial Corporation and the B. C. Bank (successor to the Barbour County Bank). He was a founding director of the Barbour County Fair Association and in 2000 received the Hall of Fame Award. He was one of the first members of the Barbour County Parks and Recreation Commission. He was a lifetime member of the Barbour County Livestock Association and a member of the Barbour County Farm Bureau. He was an avid hunter and was a founding member of the Ty-hannon Sportsman’s Club. Mr. Lantz was a member of the Jerusalem United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 23 from the Stemple & Forman Funeral Home, 385 So. Main Street, Philippi. The Rev. Tim Bleigh will officiate and interment will follow in the Jerusalem Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 3:00 until 9:00 P.M. on Wednesday and from 9:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M., the funeral hour on Thursday. Stemple & Forman Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
