Richard "Kurt" Van Laningham

Richard Van Laningham, known to everyone as Kurt, passed away on March 2, 2025, at his home in Magnolia, Texas. Kurt was born to Samuel and Marion Van Laningham in Utica, New York, and raised in Paris, New York. Kurt worked at the Savicki's Farm from late childhood until he graduated High School in 1977 and became a mechanic at a local car dealership. He was a gearhead and muscle car addict, later passing that passion onto his only son. Kurt married in 1980 and moved to Houston, Texas where he entered into the oil and gas industry. He began working at Breaux Machine Works in 1989, later rising to general manager and managing the shop's general workflow. Shortly after arriving in Texas, he purchased a property and began to clear the land. He would later help plan and build his forever home and raise his three children in it. Working hard was a passion of his that he instilled in his children and he loved seeing them doing well and keeping older values alive. He was able to retire in 2021 and took his first (of many) cross-country road trips taking along 6 of his older grandkids. He enjoyed a few more road trips with his sisters and brother-in-law. Getting to travel to many bucket list locations across the US. Kurt was loved by many and seemed to have a buddy or acquaintance everywhere he went. His infectious smile, boisterous laugh, and joking nature could light up a room. Spending time with his children and grandchildren was one of the best joys of his life. Seeing his children being more active and involved with their children's lives brought him tears of joy. He taught his family to never stop learning. He was the absolute best father and grandfather he knew how to be. He will be loved forever and missed beyond measure. Kurt is preceded in death by his parents and brother, John Van Laningham. He is survived by his sisters, Donna North and Linda Zayas, daughters and son-in-laws Brittany and Nikolai Six, Mallory and Mark Thompson, and son and daughter-in-law Dayton and Amber Van Laningham. He leaves behind nine grandchildren, Zoey, Kaylee, Colin, Karter, Oliver, Kennedy, Cordelia, Kelsey, and Makenna due in July. The Addison family and staff of Magnolia Funeral Home extend condolences to Richard's family and friends during this difficult time.