Charles Melvin "Mel" Lanning, Senior Master Chief, U.S. Navy, Ret., age 86, passed away on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2025.

He was born on August 31, 1939, in Oakfield Township, to Marland & Anna Lanning.

Mel proudly served in the U.S. Navy for twenty years retiring in 1977.  He was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Navy Unit Commendation Medal in his decorated career.

After retiring from the Navy, Mel pursued his passions in music and real estate, selling pianos and organs and working as a realtor for many years. A true "Car Guy," he loved admiring classic cars and sharing that enthusiasm with others. Mel's love for music never waned, and he continued to play the piano with joy and dedication until almost the end of his life.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Lanning; children, Brian (Karen) Lanning, Jane (Bryant) Henderson, Eric Mitchell, Jennifer Newberry, Tim (Lesly) Mitchell and Andy (Brenda) Biggs; grandchildren, Theresa (Dale), Rebecca (Wesley), Jacob (Jessica) , Stone, Colin (Norma), Haley, Ashlee, Ben (Moriah), Dylan, Joshua, Ethan, Christopher (Thea) and Joshua; nine great-grandchildren; siblings, Vern (Lenora) Lanning and Ruthie (Jack) Gillis.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Marland and Anna (Dame); and his brother, Orville Lanning.

Visitation will be held from 10:00am until 11:00am on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Kentwood.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00am.  Military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Navy and Kent County Veteran Honor Guard.