April 29, 1948 – January 17, 2026

In Loving Memory of “Poppy”

AKA 

Jerel Francis Lanan

Jerel Francis Lanan, known fondly by many names – “Jerry” – “Jermo” – “JerBear” – “Shujer” – “Bro”- “Billy Swan” and probably others but the most treasured was Karley’s “POPPY” passed away on January 17, 2026.

Jerry was born in Sycamore, Illinois, to Francis and Beatrice Lanan on April 29, 1948.  He was the middle child of three, growing up alongside his older brother, Bernard “Bud” Lanan, and younger sister, Patricia “Pat” Lanan Morton. Jerry’s legacy continues through his devoted wife, Kathryn, daughters, BK Power (Partner, David Anderson) and Karley Lanan Power-Schiesler (husband, Matt Schiesler & son Christian Schiesler), brother, Bud Lanan, (wife, Vivian, and niece, Meredith).  He was deeply cherished by his extended Bradfield family and an ever-growing circle of lifelong friends spanning across Illinois, Florida, Iowa, Tennessee, South Carolina, California, Texas, and even to England – people he loved and considered family.

Jerry lived life with gratitude and grace, finding joy in simple pleasures and grand adventures alike. Whether playing bridge, cheering at the Indy 500 with his fellow St. Charles High School educators, skiing the slopes with Club Uno friends, captaining his boat the “Southern Comfort” on Clear Lake, or learning to fly, he embraced every moment with enthusiasm. His love for travel became a lifelong passion, one he instilled in Kathy and Karley, always dreaming up the next adventure together with family and friends.  He was an amazing husband, loved being a bonus dad to BK, “Poppy” to Karley, and Uncle Jerry to Meredith, but one of the greatest joys of his life came in February 2021, when he officially became a father through the adoption of his granddaughter, Karley.  She had always been a joy in his life, but suddenly his joy seemed to explode when he became her father, just in time to also become the father of the bride just a year or so later!

If you had the privilege of knowing Jerry, chances are you had a nickname, each one a playful mark of his affection. Names like Sheronda, Bennie, Linda Lou, Robby D, Johnnie Sue, Karley-T-Karlotto, Beeker, Chatty Kathy, Juanita, Howie the Duck, Patty Cakes, Mamo, Toto, Lillian, JimBob, RayOVac, MaryKate & Ashley and many others were spoken with love, never intended to offend, always his way of saying, “You are special to me.”

Jerry also found great joy in his service to God & Mary Queen Catholic Church, particularly within the Knights of Columbus. As Financial Secretary for 15 years, Grand Knight, and in many other roles, he dedicated himself to serving God, family, and community with integrity and heart.

For over a decade, Jerry bravely battled Multiple Myeloma with unwavering resilience, never complaining, always grateful for the exceptional care he received from his dedicated team at MD Anderson. Special thanks to Dr. Hans Lee & the oncology staff, Dr. Kent Nouri, pain management, Dr. Victor Lavis, endocrinology, Dr. Qualzibash, stem cell transplant center, and to Dr. Dorothy Merritt, PCP who sent him to MD Anderson in the very beginning!  You are our heroes!

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Rosary and Funeral Services at Mary Queen Catholic Church, 606 Cedarwood, Friendswood, TX 77546 on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

The Celebration of a life well-lived will continue in a Gathering in the Main Hall (next door) where we will break bread together, and share memories, laughter, pictures, and gratitude for a remarkable man of God, a loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and amazing friend!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 8494 Education Scholarship honoring Jerry’s commitment to education and service, Special Friends, Mary Queen Quilting Bees, or your charity of choice.