J. Armand Lanier, Sr.

Armand was born in 1917 in Newton, Texas about fifteen miles from Louisiana and considered himself a deep East Texan, this despite having lived in Austin since 1946. His people are from Jasper and Tyler counties, again far-east Texas--a part that is culturally Deep South. His father was a small, dry goods merchant, and since he moved his business rather frequently, Armand grew up in the East Texas towns of Jasper and Jacksonville.

As a child, his first love was baseball, then later, jazz music. At UT Austin he received a master's degree in Educational Psychology. In WWII he served as an Air Force bandsman.

He married Nancy Evelyn Lynch in 1943 and had five children, two of whom have recently deceased (Gayle Frye and Lynda Falls). In 1950 they built a home in west Austin where they lived for fifty-six years. "Thanks to Nancy's patience and outgoing nature, we have celebrated 65 years together."

His vocation was as counselor at Austin High for ten years, and vocational consultant with the Texas Education Agency, twentyfive years. Since retiring in 1981 his primary activities have been in genealogical research, building rock retaining walls, wood sculpture, writing family stories, and edifying his nine grandchildren. As a faithful member of University United Methodist Church for over 60 years, Armand blessed his church family with his devoted servant hood.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, and children: Nancy Sands Hurst and husband Jack of Florida, Armand Lanier, Jr. and wife Karen of Maryland, Deborah Stephens and husband John of Gatesville, and son-inlaws Roy Frye of Austin and Spencer Falls of Dallas. Grandchildren: Mike and Steve Sands, Clay Falls and Stephanie Falls Wilson, Chris and Steve Lanier, Scott Elkins, and Spencer and Claire Stephens.

A memorial service will be held at University United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 11th at 4pm. Parking is available in the Platinum Parking lot at 25th and Guadalupe. Burial will be in Jasper, Texas. Memorial contributions can be made to UUMC.

Arrangements by Weed- Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78705 (512) 452-8811. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com.