Milton Lanier, 86, of Zolfo Springs, passed away at his home on Tuesday, June 7, 2011. He was born in Hardee County on May 21, 1925 and had been a lifelong resident. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Zolfo Springs and a citrus and cattle rancher. He served in the U. S. Coast Guard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, T. L. and Virgie Lanier, a brother, Shelton Lanier, and infant daughter, Constance Marie Lanier.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Florence Lanier of Zolfo Springs; three sons, Dennis Lanier (Mary Lou) of Zolfo Springs, John Lanier of Naples, and Hardee County Sheriff Arnold Lanier (Amy) of Zolfo Springs; one daughter, Sheryl Lanier of Zolfo Springs; two sisters, Dorothy Rose Holton of Jacksonville, and Nila Vae Morris (Max) of Winter Park; 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 9th from 6-8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Zolfo Springs. Funeral services are at the church on Friday, June 10th at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Trent Swanson and Rev. Jack White officiating. Interment is in Wauchula Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the DeSoto County Honor Guard.