Sidney Arthur Lanier died peacefully on March 3, 2015, in Llano, Texas eighteen days shy of his 70th birthday.

Sid is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marla Sue Lanier; children, Heidi Borden (Billy) of Clovis, NM, Bryanna Albert (Joe Pete) of Stratford, TX, Khaki Cooper of Clovis, NM and Sidney Caleb Lanier (Heather) of Lubbock, TX; one sibling, Marvin Lee Lanier of Llano, TX; three aunts, Mary Jane Leathers of Centerville, Lillian Lanier of Huntsville, TX and Ann Hurlbrink of Sinking Springs, PA; ten grandchildren; one great grandson and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Sidney was born March 21, 1945, in Austin, Texas to Sidney and Ddee Lanier (Ruth Marie Ruppenthal). He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State University in 1967. Sid spent over 44 years working in the grain and feed industry, working for several companies including Archer, Daniel, Midland; Gore Brothers; U.S. Marketing; Lanier Commodities and Wilbur-Ellis. Sidney married Marla Sue Davidson on April 10, 1971 and, over a period of seven years, the couple welcomed four children into their home. His children remember him as a Godly, loving and creative father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Sidney and Marla spent many years in ministry and mission work together. He is preceded in death by his father Sidney Alexandria Lanier and his mother, Ddee Marie Lanier and his sister, Andrea Sowell.

A funeral is scheduled for March 7, 2015 at 11 am, at Walters Funeral Home in Centerville, Texas with burial to follow at Marquez Cemetery in Leon County. Ray Keasler, pastor of the Abundant Life Fellowship in Granite Shoals, Texas, will officiate the ceremony. Visitation is set for Friday, March 6, 2015 from 5 pm until 7 pm at the funeral home. All are welcomed to attend and celebrate Sidney's life.

Serving as pallbearers: Lee Shore, Taylor Ryan Lanier, Eli Browm, Brent Sowell, Andy Christian and Michael Lanier Duckett.

--Published in the Clovis News Journal on March 7, 2015 and The Buffalo Express