James Lachner (Veteran)

James Ray (Jim) Lachner, 66, of California, passed away Monday, November 28, 2011, at his home. He was born in California on October 25, 1945, the oldest son of Tom Ray and Artha (Mayhew) Lachner, both of whom preceded him in death. He was married on March 11, 1995 to Nancy Birdsong, who survives of the home. A 1963 graduate of Tipton High School, he was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Tipton. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #1360 in Tipton. He served in the National Guard from 1967 through 1971. He was self-employed in a commercial mowing service and had previously owned and operated a bulldozing and trucking service. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of the home; one brother, Donald (Mary Beth) Lachner, Tipton; one sister-in-law, Barbara Birdsong of Oklahoma City, Okla.; his aunt, Jane Edwards and husband Gene of Tipton; and special cousins, Tom, Danny and Archie Edwards, all of Tipton, along with other cousins as well. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services in California. Burial will be in California City Cemetery. Officiating will be Bro. Paul Branstetter. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either St. Andrews Catholic School or the American Diabetes Association, c/o Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, 100 S. Oak, California, MO 65018. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California.