Herbert "Herb" Conley Lanter, Sr., 94, passed away peacefully at home in Kernersville, NC, on February 17, 2025.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Betty Zane Lanter. They met in Wytheville, VA, and married on December 22, 1951, beginning a lifetime of love, adventure, and family.

Herb is also survived by his four children:

• Debbie Heath (Justin) of Thomasville, NC
• Herb Lanter, Jr. (Emily) of Camden, DE
• Dani Moore (Dave) of Dover, DE
• Jeff Lanter (Cathy Jo) of Raleigh, NC

He was a proud grandfather to Heather, Kimberly, Nicole, Doug, Donnie, David, Emma, Addison, Angela and Giovanna and a great-grandfather to Hayden, Kaitlyn, Colin, Dexter, Beckett, Griffin, Layne, Landen, Nate, Fionna and Nelly. To them, he was simply "Pa", a role he took great pride in. His family meant everything to him, and he especially cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Herb grew up in Wytheville, VA, and after high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving for 21 years. A Vietnam and Korean War veteran, his military career took him and his family across Germany, Italy, England, and France, where they made lifelong friends and memories. Herb never met a stranger—most people he crossed paths with became friends for life.

After retiring from the Air Force, Herb worked for Standard Brands and later Scott Paper in Dover, DE. In 1980, he and Betty moved to Hillsville, VA, settling on land near the family farm where Betty was born. There, he worked as a rural mail carrier and ran "Herb's Grocery," a small general store that became a community staple in Sylvatus, VA. Eventually, he retired and enjoyed a quieter life in the mountains.

Herb and Betty loved to dance—whether it was a night out at the NCO Club in Stuttgart or a wedding reception for a family member, they were always among the first on the dance floor and some of the best at it.

He was also a lifelong college basketball fan and never missed a chance to cheer on his Duke Blue Devils.

He was a proud member of Sylvatus Christian Church and a dedicated Mason; Herb had a sharp wit and a knack for storytelling. He loved to tell stories—some you heard over and over again, and some were actually true. You never quite knew if he was being serious or just pulling your leg, but either way, you'd find yourself laughing. He was always quick to lend a hand and valued time spent with family and friends above all else.

Herb's legacy is one of love, laughter, and a lifetime of stories well told. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Service Details

A funeral service to celebrate Herb's life will be held on Saturday, March 1, at Vaughn Gwynn McGrady Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 12:00 PM, followed by the service at 1:00 PM. The graveside service will immediately follow at Little Vine Cemetery.