Anderson, Indiana - Dennis "Denny" Joseph Lanane, 88, of Anderson, passed away on March 20, 2024, surrounded by his family.

He was born on Nov. 27, 1935, in Anderson, to TJ and Mildred (Staub) Lanane. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in 1954, he began working at General Motors and retired in 1993 after 38 years. He graduated from Indiana University in 1986. Denny married the love of his life, Janet Knotts, on April 15, 1961, and the two were married for 62 years before his passing.

After retirement in 1993, Denny took over Madison County Triad where he spent 28 years advocating for seniors. He dedicated countless hours to the seniors in his community through advocacy, education, and working with law enforcement. He helped organize Triad groups all over the state of Indiana. He also wrote columns for the Herald Bulletin that shared information for Triad. He received several awards over the years for his service and dedication to his community. He also received the National Volunteer Award at the National Triad Convention in Chicago.

Denny was a part of the Madison County Mental Health Coalition where he worked with community agencies to help improve care for those suffering from mental health diagnoses.

Denny had a love for basketball. He spent several years coaching his grandson, Josiah and granddaughter, Anna. He enjoyed attending sports events and school programs for his grandchildren. He loved being a grandpa! Denny and Jan attended many sporting events, they enjoyed watching IU and the Colts. He faithfully attended the Indiana-Kentucky High School All Star Games from 1954 to 2019. He was an avid Euchre player and loved making popcorn with cashews.

If you knew Denny, you knew he was a jokester. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He always had a story to share or a lesson to give. He cared so deeply for his family and close friends. Denny had a tender heart, his smile lit up a room.

Denny will be dearly missed by his wife, Jan; children, Jeff (Patti) Lanane, Billy (Richard) Lanane, and Kelly (Paul) Ponsler; grandchildren, Julie, Adam, Joseph, Kristi, Haley, Andrew, Josiah, and Anna; several great-grandchildren; brother, Mike (Teresa) Lanane; sister, Kathi (Leon) Wasilewski; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Ryan Lanane; brother, Tom (Marge) Lanane; and nephew, Matthew Solid.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Waters of Chesterfield.

Family and friends may gather from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 25, 2024, at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home, 515 E. 53rd St., Anderson. There will be a brief visitation from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Faith Church, 2817 E. 53rd St., Anderson. The funeral ceremony will begin at noon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Denny's name may be gifted to the Alzheimer's Association or the Anderson Animal Protection League (APL).

Denny's services have been entrusted to Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home.