MARTY LANUM

1945 ~ 2024

It is with our deepest sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a good man.

Marty Lanum, was an ardent husband, dedicated and supportive father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, mentor, and friend.

Martin Monroe Lanum, age 79, passed from this life peacefully at his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on a beautiful day September 13, 2024 in the loving arms of his cherished wife of 33 years Tess.

Born on May 7,1945 in Frankfort, Indiana, the first of five children, Marty was a gifted and natural leader.

His unwavering courage and resilience, with a winner's optimism towards life was strongly developed during his childhood, with the love and encouragement from his beloved Granny Bessie Lanum, who instilled a steady faith in GOD and the belief in the grace, strength, and comfort of prayer, and to always be thankful for what you have.

He graduated from Frankfort High School, a proud member of The Class of 1963, and patriotically joined the military.

His service in the USAF (1963 - 1967) as a Power Production Specialist in Vietnam would set the course for his extensive career in the Global Power and Energy Industry.

As a decorated Vietnam Veteran, Marty exemplified the true essence of bravery and sacrifice, serving his country with honor.

Marty was resolutely determined to live the best and most honorable life he possibly could as a man, husband, father, Patriot, and Proud American Veteran.

This deeply felt determination was not selfishly for himself, but most importantly for all his Brothers in Arms that gave the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam and did not have the opportunity to live the American Dream.

His professional journey was expansive and impactful, Marty's career took him and his family across the United States and around the world, holding key positions at GE Energy/Infrastructure, Argentina, Brazil, Guatemala, Keppel Energy Corporation Singapore/Nicaragua, Transfield Services Queensland, Australia, and CMS Energy International, TECO IPP Ghana, Africa.

Marty took immense pride in raising his five children, (Chris, Andi, Mike, Kevin and Abbott).

Marty was amazingly blessed to enjoy being a father at different ages in his life, and stages in his career. As a young dad after Vietnam in his 20's and 30's.  At age 46 in 1991 as a wonderful new dad to an adorable toddler. And, finally, a brand new dad again in 2003 at 58 years old, with his wife Tess. Marty was extremely proud of every good deed, accomplishment, and the successes of his five children.

But unmistakably, Marty's greatest joy came from his role as a devoted husband to the love of his life, Tess (Tessie Marie Larranaga Lanum).

They shared an effortlessly beautiful marriage and a deep love that transcended age, time and space.

They embarked on countless adventures, had infinite laughs, shared in life's challenges and savored life's most precious moments with their children, family, friends, and pets.

Marty is survived by his wife of 33 years, Tess; daughters, Chris Rieck (Butch) of Michigan, and Andrea Christopherson (Jonathan) of Minnesota; sons, Mike Lanum (Oksana) of Wisconsin, Major Kevin James Fulmer (Andrea) of Kansas, and Abbott Lanum of New Mexico; brothers, Bob (Linda) Lanum of South Carolina, Asa Lanum of Florida; Sister in Law Rita Lanum of Indiana; beloved only sister, Patty (Mark) Albert of Indiana;

Father in Law, Efren Desiderio Larranaga (Debi), of Alaska; Brothers in Law, Ruben Larranaga of Alaska, Joe Larranaga (Connie) of Washington, Ted Larranaga of Alaska.

Marty was a grandfather to seven granddaughters, two grandsons, three great-grandsons, and two great-granddaughters, and also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lucile Lanum; brother, Freeman "Bugs" Lanum; sister-in-law Eloise Lanum; nephew Felipe Larranaga; and mother-in-law, Rita Larranaga.

Marty will be remembered for his incredible generosity, living a charitable life, giving to the poorest and most in need of sincere compassion, and kindness and leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to have known a good man.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Baca Funeral Chapel, 300 E Boutz Rd, Las Cruces, New Mexico, from 1:00-2:30 PM.

A Celebration of Life Banquet will be held at The Hilton Gardens Inn, 2550 Don Roser Dr. Las Cruces, New Mexico following the Service, where we will gather to honor his life and the lasting impact he made on all that knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the organization of your choice. Marty was a Patron of Tunnel to Towers, Wounded Warrior Project, DAV, (Disabled American Veterans), St. Jude's.

Please send any email condolences to thelanums@yahoo.com

Please send any cards or written condolences to:

Mrs. Martin M. Lanum

c/o

Baca Funeral Chapels 300 E Boutz Rd, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005

Cremation arrangement has been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 575-527-2222.

Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com

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