Thomas Earl Lankford of Sugar Land, Texas was born November 18, 1936 in Garrison, Texas to James Kirby and Macie Stanaland Lankford and passed away on April 26, 2010 at the age of 73 years, 5 months, and 8 days in Houston, Texas. Earl spent most of his life as a teacher and basketball coach after receiving a BS from Southwest Texas State University and MS from University of Southern Mississippi. He was a four year letterman at Southwest Texas State and a member of the 1960 NAIA National Basketball Championship team. Earl and Lynne, his wife of 52 years, were blessed to retire in 1992 and enjoyed traveling with friends throughout the United States and Canada. Earl is survived by his wife Lynne Lankford, Sugar Land, TX, one son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Teresa Lankford of College Station, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Charlie Ward, Trussville, AL; daughter and son-in-law, Dana and Todd Cox, Sugar Land, TX; eight grandchildren, Lindsey and Daniel Cazac, Matt Leggett, Kelly and Chris Stone, Katie Leggett, Leigh Lankford, Christina Cox, Hannah Cox, Rachel Cox and great granddaughter, Mercy Elizabeth Stone; three step grandchildren Lucas and Vanessa Ward, Andrea and Javier Robles, Matt and daughter Avery Ward. Earl is also survived by three brothers, Melvin and wife Olga Lankford, Max and wife Linda Lankford, Tommy and wife Karen Lankford, sister Aline and brother-inlaw Ray Hopson., and sister-in-law, Frances Lankford. Earl was preceded in death by two brothers, Oliver and James Lankford. He leaves many cousins and friends. The most important things in his life were his Heavenly Father, family, friends and his church family at Houston Primitive Baptist Church where he was a member and deacon for many years.

Funeral and burial services were Thursday at 10 a.m. Services were conducted by Elders Mark D. Rowell and Pat Young. Pallbearers are Scott Lankford, Todd Cox, Charlie Ward, Matt Leggett, Jerry Winchester, Ward Rowell, Ronnie Mallow, and Clint Walden. Honorary pallbearers were Earl’s brothers, brothers-in-law, and cousins.

Lynne Clark Lankford, 1955 graduate of Raymondville H.S., daughter of Grant and Evelyn Clark, Raymondville, TX.

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