Thomas Ray Lankford, 78, died Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Born Sept. 11, 1944, he was the son of Inez Tisor Lankford, and Chelza Ted Lankford.

He was a 1963 graduate of BHS. In Aug. 1965, he married Terry Wakeford. They later divorced. In June 1986, he married, Shirley Anliker Kirby. He worked for Murray Iron Works as an assemblyman and road man from 1964 until his retirement in 2011.

He loved the river; fast boats; fishing and trapshooting. He was of the Christian faith.

He is survived by his wife Shirley of 37 years, one son Robert T. Lankford of Sarasota, Fla., one stepson Larry (Lisa) Kirby of Burlington, one sister, Marilyn (Susie) Timmerman of Burlington, three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Darlene Waring and two brothers-in-law.

Per his request, his body has been deeded to the University of Iowa, and there will be no services.

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 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/9/1693950685941.jpeg" alt="Thomas Ray Lankford" />
 <figcaption>Thomas Ray Lankford</figcaption>
 </figure>Thomas Ray Lankford, 78, died Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.Born Sept. 11, 1944, he was the son of Inez Tisor Lankford, and Chelza Ted Lankford.He was a 1963 graduate of BHS. In Aug. 1965, he married Terry Wakeford. They later divorced. In June 1986, he married, Shirley Anliker Kirby. He worked for Murray Iron Works as an assemblyman and road man from 1964 until his retirement in 2011.He loved the river; fast boats; fishing and trapshooting. He was of the Christian faith.He is survived by his wife Shirley of 37 years, one son Robert T. Lankford of Sarasota, Fla., one stepson Larry (Lisa) Kirby of Burlington, one sister, Marilyn (Susie) Timmerman of Burlington, three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Darlene Waring and two brothers-in-law.Per his request, his body has been deeded to the University of Iowa, and there will be no services.