Leo Berlin Lanning

Leo Berlin Lanning was born May 24, 1940, to Berlin Harold and Floy Ione Shadden Lanning in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father, Berlin, was stationed in Honolulu in the Navy at the time of Leo's birth. They moved to San Diego, CA where his brother, John, was born. Leo grew up in San Diego on Bradford St. close to SDSU. He graduated from Herbert Hoover High School June 13, 1958, attended SDSU for 2 years, then joined the US Army in 1960, becoming a sharp shooter. During his time in the Army he was stationed in Germany, receiving the Good Conduct Medal during his time of enlistment. He was honorably discharged and always wanted to return to Germany. After returning home, he pursued a career with an escrow company and was a Title Officer for over 40 years. He met his first wife, Lucy Margaret Tran, and married her on February 2, 1964. They were married 23 years, lived in Poway, CA, and had 3 daughters: Debbie, Trudy, and Diane. In 1987 Leo moved back to San Diego and met his second wife, Yong Suk Kim Hayes, and married her on April 2, 1997. Leo and Yong moved to Temecula, CA and were married 15 years. On Oct. 6, 2012, Yong passed away from cancer. Leo has 6 grandchildren: Justine, Cearra, Blake, Nathan, Ryan, and Haley. He worked for the Temecula Wal Mart as a greeter for 5 years and enjoyed speaking with all his customers and co-workers. He retired from Wal Mart in 2013. He loved shopping there and continued his friendships with former customers and co-workers. On Sept. 29, 2015 Leo had a stroke in Wal Mart and was rushed to Temecula Valley Hospital, then later released to go home from the rehab facility. He was very happy to be home. Shortly after being released to go home, he had an appointment with the cardiologist, who said he needed to go back to the ER. It was there he was found to have cancer and Leo decided not to seek treatment, but to go home and go on hospice care. He was released to hospice care at his daughter's home on Nov. 19, 2015. Shortly thereafter he died on Nov. 27, 2015, surrounded by his family ... which is what he wanted. Leo loved shopping at stores or from TV; loved to play pinochle with friends in Poway; playing basketball and bragging when his side won. The Padres was his favorite baseball team.