Fredrick Vernon Lanier

Fredrick Vernon Lanier, 88, of Henderson, WV, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Pleasant Valley Healthcare Center after a short illness. He was born February 2, 1938, in Beech Hill, WV, a son of the late Emma Lanier.

Fred was born and raised on the Mount Vernon Dairy Farm and later worked there for many years from his adolescence to adulthood. He was very active in the day-to-day operation of one of the largest dairy farms in West Virginia. The farm was beautifully maintained and all that worked and visited there in its ‘glory days’ took pride in seeing its beauty and functionality. The farm has been described as the “Finest in the State” during its many years of operation, and Fred dearly loved living, working, and hunting there on its vast acreage.

After spending 40 years of living and working on the farm, Fred worked as a foreman for the WV Dept of Highways until his retirement. After retirement, he worked on the family farm on Jim Hill Road. He enjoyed the woods and the great outdoors and continued his love of hunting, farming, and gardening.

Most importantly, Fred confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was looking forward to moment when they would finally meet.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife and life partner, Joyce Bechtle Lanier in 2023; they were married in 1963 and enjoyed nearly 60 years together. Also preceding him were three brothers: Bill, Gene, & Richard; and two sisters: Pauline & Ida. His mother-in-law and father-in-law, Beulah and Lawrence Bechtle, and two special uncles who helped raise him, Silas “Hunter” Lanier and George A. “Doc” Lanier.

He is survived by a sister, Janet Chapman of Houston, TX; one brother, Larry (Janet) Lanier of Southside, WV; sister-in-law, Edna Lanier of Henderson, WV, brother-in-law, Howard L. (Suetta) Bechtle of Leon, WV. Close nephews and a niece, Eric Lanier, Howard L. (Lisa) Bechtle, II, Donna (Chris) Legg, and Joseph (Beth) Bechtle, as well many friends and neighbors who will miss him dearly. A special thanks to those who cared for Fred this past month including staff at Rivers Health, Arbors, & Pleasant Valley Healthcare Center.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m., Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Wilcoxen Funeral Home before proceeding to the graveside service at 2 p.m. led by Pastor Bert Flora at Concord Baptist cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Concord Baptist cemetery fund C/O Kenny Williams 7315 Five Mile Run Road Gallipolis Ferry, WV 25515 or to Gideons International, PO Box 75, Pt. Pleasant, WV 25550

Condolences may be expressed to the family, and memories may be shared by visiting www.wilcoxenfuneralhome.com.