BOMBER MEMORIAL

DENNIS "CRAIG" LANSING ~ Class of 1962
December 23, 1943 - September 12, 2022





Major (Retired) Dennis Craig Lansing, born December 23, 1943, to Billie Jean and Charles “Chuck” Lansing at Walla Walla General Hospital, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on September 12, 2022, surrounded by his family.

After spending his early years in Wallula, Craig’s family moved to Richland. There he met his lifelong best friend, Bill Blankingship ('62). Craig graduated from Richland's Columbia High School with the Class of 1962. He attended Columbia Basin College on a football scholarship and helped take the team to the Junior Rose Bowl in Pasadena that fall.

Craig met the love of his life, Patty Bucklin, in 1963 when she spotted him across the room at “The Social Club”, went over and sat in his lap. The happy couple celebrated 58 years of bliss on August 1, 2022. Craig and Patty were blessed with two children, Shane and Stephane; seven grandchildren; and his Cocker Spaniel, Moses, all of which he adored. His love for his family and for his dogs is his most cherished accomplishments.

In 1965, Craig enlisted in the U. S. Army, becoming a Green Beret in the Special Forces. Craig served from April 1966 to January 1975 spending five years with the 1st Special Forces Group and remainder with the 5th and 10th Special Forces Group. During this time, he served in Vietnam, completed countless missions and developed life-long friendships with his fellow Green Berets. While in the Special Forces, he became a certified Airborne Jump Master in 1968 and Scuba Diver/Instructor in 1973. Craig’s time spent in Vietnam undoubtedly had a profound effect on him later in life.

Craig graduated Officers Candidate School, ranking #11 out of 112 officer students in 1975, placing him in the top ten percent of his class, becoming a fully Commissioned Officer in the United States Army. He subsequently earned his Bachelors of Science, Criminal Justice in 1979. Craig’s distinguished military career took him all over the world and Craig received numerous meritorious honors, commendations and awards. Craig retired from the Army in 1988. In his civilian life, Craig worked in securities for Dresser Industries in Texas, Hanford Patrol and Emergency Preparedness for Hanford from which he retired. Much like the military, Craig earned several certificates and awards while employed for Hanford. His tenacity, attention to detail and ability to lead allowed Craig to excel in any endeavor he embarked.

He was a Christian and attended Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities for the last 17 years. In retirement, Craig spent many hours reading his Bible, watching the history channel and working on his 1941 Ford Business Coupe. Craig also enjoyed watching game shows, The Big Bang Theory, Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park movies with his wife, Patty. Craig and Patty spent many summers traveling with their travel trailer and motorhomes visiting different National Parks, the coast and panning for gold.

Craig is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patty; son, Shane Lansing (Lisa) and grandchildren: Christina, Madison, Rebekah and Luke; daughter, Stephane Lansing Szendre (Scott) and grandchildren: Zoyie, Noah and Caleb. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Dean Lansing ('60) (Carol); sister, Rosalie Lansing Haag ('63) (Chuck); and sisters-in-law: Kathe Braden, Nancy Bucklin and Mary Imhoff; brother-in-law, Steve Bucklin (Elisa) along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Chuck and Billie Jean Lansing; in-laws, James ^II and Marie Bucklin; brothers-in-law, James "Butch" Bucklin ^III and Dana Braden.

Craig’s life will be remembered Thursday, September 22, 2022, at Mueller’s Tri-Cities Funeral Home in Kennewick. The viewing will be at 10:00 am with the memorial service at 11:00 am, followed by burial with full Military honors. Reception to follow at Highlands Grange Building at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

View and sign the online guest book.

Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).