Doris Mae Dean Lankford, 92, of Springfield, IL, went peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO.  

Doris was born in Springfield, IL, on March 11, 1925, to Russell H. and Edna Merrifield Dean. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1944, after which she attended Cincinnati Bible College, Cincinnati OH. She worked in Springfield until she married Richard F. Lankford, on September 12, 1946, in Springfield after his discharge from the Navy. 

Doris was a homemaker and loved cooking and keeping a clean household for their 4 children. Her precious hands penned many encouraging notes and cards that touched the hearts of her family and friends. She continued to be very social and share her sweet spirit with those around her. The Cardinals have lost one of their biggest fans as they were the main reason she would watch TV during the season. Very seldom did she let anyone win at Rummikub and enjoyed the competition whenever she played.  Most of all she loved being with her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren

She spent many hours assisting Richard in their ministry in churches for over 50 years volunteering as his secretary. She typed the Sunday bulletin as well as published the weekly church newsletter. She enjoyed hosting get -togethers for her family and friends, as well as missionaries, Bible study groups, youth parties, etc. in their home. She touched many lives as they served congregations in Whitewater, IN, Jamestown, OH, Loami, IL, Coweta, OK, Belle, MO, Festus, MO, Whiting, IA, West Allis, WI, and Eagle Lake, MN. Doris was most recently a member of West Side Christian Church, where she had been active in the Beau Knots Sunday School Class and Senior Adult Ministry.  

Doris was preceded in death by her husband Richard; her parents; sisters: Mabel Hayes, Wanda Scott, Julie Jones, and brother, Floyd Dean, as well as her granddaughter, Cassidy Edwards.  

Doris is survived by her family who loved her dearly: sons, Bill Lankford, Larry Lankford (Sherry), daughters, Patricia Edwards (Ron), Diane Beeman (Jay), sisters, Alice Reynolds, Nancy Domst (Ron). Grandchildren: Jami, Lance, Lakin (Lynelle), Deker, Lyndi (Nick), Wade (Tiffany). Great-grandchildren: Jake, Ben, Adyson, Logann, Hannah, Abraham, Canyon, and River. Many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will enjoy meeting with friends on Saturday, November 11, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. at Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home, 530 North 5th Street, Springfield, IL., 62702. Memorial Service will be conducted at 11:00 AM with graveside to immediately follow at Farmers Point Cemetery in Petersburg, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pioneer Bible Translators, online at https://pioneerbible.org/give/JayAndDianeBeeman or by check to Pioneer Bible Translators, PO Box 7531, Springfield, IL 62791.

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