Keith Lanny Gooding, age 88, resident of New London departed this earth, Monday, April 8, 2024, the day of the solar eclipse, at his home with his loving daughter by his side.
Born May 3, 1935, in Willard to Keith Roxwell and Doris Aileen (Cramer) Gooding he had been a Plymouth resident for many decades. He was a 1953 graduate of Plymouth High School and had taken music major classes at Ashland University and Northridge University (CSUN) in Northridge California.
Early in his youth Lanny found inspiration in gospel music, which lead to a lifelong musical journey. He was an accomplished Jazz musician who was self-employed as a pianist-vocalist for many years. He also played vibes and tenor saxophone. He was employed as a pianist-vocalist at Bob Burn’s Supper Club in Santa Monica, CA from 1963-1983 and had played at Skyway East Restaurant for over twenty years. Lanny also performed with several local Richland County bands and played keyboard at Sunday services at the United Church of Christ in Mansfield and the First Presbyterian Church of Plymouth. His deep appreciation for music allowed him to share his talent with thousands of people over his lifetime and he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of being blessed with his music.
He was a member of the American Federation of Musicians since 1947, joining at the age of 12. Lanny enjoyed reading, especially Metaphysics, going for walks outdoors under the trees and on the shady side of the street.
Survivors include his life partner of 25 years, Linda Gundrum of Shelby; three daughters Melodie (Charles) Tucker of Merritt Island, FL, Connie (Don) Sullivan of Simi Valley, CA. and Lana Kai Gooding of New London, OH; one son Spencer (Lita) Gooding of Carpenteria, CA.; four grandchildren, Hillary Egan, Hayley Tucker, Richard DiGrigoli and Danielle Sullivan; four great grandchildren Daniel and Alexis DiGrigoli, Charles Tucker III and Jemma Egan; great great grandson Braxton; two God children, Elliot (Kate) Anders and Terri (Paul Spears) Nunn and their daughter Natalie Spears; step son Todd (Angela) Gundrum and his two children, Ashley and Alex Gundrum.
He was preceded in death by his parents and step son Jeff Gundrum.
A celebration of Lanny’s life will be held on his 89th birthday, Friday May 3, 2024, at 4:00 PM at St. John’s United Church of Christ; 68 Park Ave E, Mansfield, OH 44902.
In place of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jazz Foundation of America at 247 West 37 St., Suite 201, New York, NY 10018 https://jazzfoundation.org/donate/; the Newport Festivals Foundation at P.O. Box 3865 Newport, RI 02840 or donate a tree on the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory website.
Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory in Shelby is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com.
Funeral Home: Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: www.barkdullfuneralhome.com