Born on December 15, 1947, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, he was a son of Charles I. and Mary E. Champlin Lananger. On June 25, 1966, in West Clarksville he married the former Mary E. Schultz who survives. Together they enjoyed 58 years of marriage.

Thomas had worked for Darien Lake, but for many years was a self-employed contractor who enjoyed remodeling homes, roofing, and general contracting. His family remarked that he was a jack of all trades and could fix anything.

He enjoyed fishing on his yearly trip to Virginia Beach, racing, playing cards, but most of all spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren.

Thomas was a life member of the Richburg Fire Department and attended North Park Wesleyan Church in Cuba.

In addition to the love his life Mary, he is survived by a son, Randy (Susan) Lananger of Olean; 3 daughters, Mary Colley of Bolivar, Lisa (Shaun) Fisher of Friendship and Barbara (Brian) White of Black Creek; his grandchildren, Brandi (Mike), Robin (Steve), Randy (Brittnee), Jonathan, Shaniah (Wyatt), Trevor, Dakota, Brevin, Logan, Brayden, Briana, Brecken, Zachary, Brittney, and Kelsey; 11 great grandchildren; a brother, Steve (Donna) Lananger of Scio, 3 sisters, Jean Stives of Bolivar, Patricia (Leon) Button of Portville and Joyce (Oscar) Gaines of Bolivar; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter Rhonda M. Lananger whom passed in infancy, two brothers Charles Lananger and James Lananger, and two sisters Geraldine Cook and Beverly Lawton.

A Celebration of Life will be held on his 77th Birthday (December 15, 2024) at the Richburg Firemen’s Clubhouse, Griffin Street, Richburg from Noon until 3:00 P.M.