Mr. Duane Vanlanham was born May 31, 1960 in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Lewis and Bobbie Vanlanham. After a valiant fight with cancer, he passed away Friday, June 14, 2019.
Duane was a graduate of Buena Vista High School, “Class of 1979.” He worked at T & M Party Store for many years. He loved God and was a faithful member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Johnnie Edwards.
Duane was a fun person. He enjoyed playing dominos, watching sports and spending time with his family and friends. He was a person that was dependable and reliable. The type of man that would show up for those he loved.
A hero is defined as a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability; an illustrious warrior; a person admired for achievements and noble qualities. Duane was not a myth, but he was a hero. When his neighbor was in distress and being attacked by several pit bulls, Duane jumped into action. He saved his neighbor’s life at the expense of risking his own life. His name and legacy shall not be forgotten, and his memory will forever be etched in our hearts.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Bobbie Vanlanham; stepfather, Walter Cureton, Sr.; sister, Shirley Vanlanham; godfather, Fred Archer; uncle, Houston "Billy" Washington.
He leaves to celebrate his life two children, Leslie (Derrick) Banks, Duane Jr. (Mary) Vanlanham; grandchildren, Jay’den Banks, Trenton, Titus, Timothy Vanlanham; sister, Debra (Charles) Baston; brothers, Walter Cureton, Fredrick (Michell) Crow; nieces, Crystal Clark, Sharice Bobbie, Lashay Vanlanham, Tai’lor Cureton, Kiara, Ciara, Nyara Baston, Kai’von Agnew; nephews, Anthony (Connie), Marcus (Shannon), Demonta (Clarissa), Brandon, Derrick, Dion Vanlanham, Walter III and Camron Cureton; aunts, Betty Johnson, Doris Merrill, Yvonne Washington; uncles, Arthur and Robert Washington; sisters-in-law, Jan Baston-Lee, Tyretha Baston, Stefanie Cureton; brothers-in-law, Charles, Anthony, Jerome, Ronald, Leroy Baston; many other relatives and friends, including special friends, Virginia Banks, Anthony and Connie Vanlanham, special aunt, Betty Johnson, the Rivers Family and John More.
The family would like to express special thanks to Duane’s caretaker, Anthony Baston, A & D Hospice Care, True Vine Baptist Church, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.
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