Columbus, OH — Joseph (Joby) Blake Lanning, 93, of Newark, Ohio, died Sept. 6, 2020, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born March 17, 1927, in Newark, the son of the late Joseph Herbert Lanning and Margaret Marie McCarrick Lanning.

He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in World War II, and a firefighter for the City of Newark for 21 years, where he was an initial member of their emergency squad. He was also an independent painting contractor.

He was a member of Newark Lodge #97 F&AM, Newark Elks and the USTA.

He is survived by his wife, Rachel Rector Lanning, whom he married Dec. 9, 1945; sons, Joseph D. (Jan), David M. (Cindy), and Terry L. (Carol); daughter, Debra Sue Ambrus; six grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Margaret and Betty Davis; and son-in-law, Patrick J. Ambrus.

Graveside services will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery on Thursday (Sept. 10) at 2 p.m. with Rev. Peter Matthewson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Rd SE, Newark, OH 43055.

DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home in conjunction with Brucker-Kishler Funeral Home are assisting with funeral arrangements. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.delongbakerlanning.com or www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com.