Rev. Lannie Maloney

Easy going and out going were just a few ways to describe Rev. Lannie Maloney. He never met a stranger and could easily strike up a conversation with anyone. Lannie was also always there to lend a hand when needed.

With the United States’ Great Depression becoming a faint memory by 1950, many families were moving out to the suburbs. Times were gentler with little violence around the country and the consumer revolution was about to start in a big way. The first independent credit card company was created in February and kids watched Howdy Doody on 12 inch black and white TV sets and spent Saturday afternoons watching cartoons at cinema matinees. On July 30, 1950, in Jackson, Kentucky, Lannie Darrel Maloney was welcomed into the world by his parents, Billy Gene and Lucille (Young) Maloney.

As a young boy, Lannie’s family moved away from Kentucky as his dad sought work in other states and would eventually find their way to Larwill, Indiana. He enjoyed fishing and hunting while growing up and continued to do so throughout his life. Lannie would go on to graduate from Larwill High School with the Class of 1968, and attend Fort Wayne Bible College and Tri-State University to earn his Bachelor's Degree.

With God always having a plan, Lannie would find love in a way he was not expecting. While working at a hospital, he came to the rescue of a nurse who had a patient that was getting out of hand.  It may not have been love at first sight, but Lannie would eventually win the heart of Ellen Linvill and the two were married on April 3, 1971.

For 37 years, Lannie was the Pastor at Thorncreek Bethel Church of God north of Columbia City. Unfortunately, his health forced him to retire before he wanted to. Currently Lannie was a member of Sugar Grove Church of God in rural Churubusco. Lannie loved being with his family, and spending time at his cottage on Shriner Lake.

Lannie was able to work up his strength to go on one last family vacation in the summer of 2021. As the family was finishing up their vacation, his health declined rapidly and Rev. Lannie D. Maloney passed away Monday, July 12, 2021, at Lutheran Hospital at the age of 70. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Ellen Maloney; daughter, Wendy (John) Mockus; sons, Scott Maloney and Jeff Maloney; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Tara Maloney.

Visitation will be 10 to 11:45 a.m., Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will begin at 12 p.m. with Pastor Tim Grable officiating. There will be a private burial at Blue River Cemetery. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send his family online condolences or sign the online guest book.