Merrill V. Lanning, Sr., age 83, of Jackson, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Jenkins Care Community in Wellston.  He was born at his parent's home in Jackson County on June 28, 1940, son of the late Clyde I. Lanning and Sybil L. Denney Lanning.  Merrill worked at McNally Pittsburg Manufacturing for several years, then later was employed as an equipment operator for Bloomfield Township.  Merrill was renowned for his expertise in tinkering and homemade gadgets.  He loved tinkering on anything and everything and always modified things to his personal own specifications.  You never knew what his next project would be.  Merrill also loved being outdoors, hunting, and spending time with his family.  He was a Christian and a member of the Petrea Free Will Baptist Church.  Merrill is survived by his wife of 66 years, Edith M. Mosier Lanning; children, Merrill Lanning, Jr. (Dawn), Tammy Lanning Woods (Jennifer), Eric Lanning (Sandy), and Tracy Lanning (Michelle); grandchildren, Angel Ware (Bob), Jill Bapst (Kevin), Robert Woods (Lactricta), Kristen Crabtree (Matt), Travis Lanning, Olivia Lanning, Mason Lanning, Cody Lanning, and Kaitlyn, Kory, and Dalton Kight; great-grandchildren, Adrian, Valerie, and Dan Oneill, Brycen Crabtree, Aiden Lanning, and Annabelle and Rhiannon Woods; brother, Clinton Lanning (Connie); sister, Dee Gilkey (Frank); along with 3 great-great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and his loving pet companion, Sophie.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Lanning, and an infant brother.  Calling hours will be Monday, April 22nd, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.  Funeral service will be Tuesday, April 23rd, at 10 a.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Jadrnicek officiating.  Burial will follow in the Pattonsville Cemetery.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.