Donald J. Lankford
Longtime resident
Donald James Lankford passed away peacefully Sept. 4, 2014 in his Milpitas home surrounded by loved ones.
Born Sept. 9, 1936 in Oklahoma to Frank and Ester Lankford, Mr. Lankford moved his family to Milpitas in 1975. He had been a Bay Area resident for 49 years.
Mr. Lankford was a member of the Operating Engineers Local No. 3 for 54 years and actively drove earth-moving equipment for 40 years, which he was incredibly proud of. He was a road bike enthusiast who was instrumental in influencing the city council to install bike lanes throughout the city of San Jose.
Mr. Lankford is survived by his two children, Rodney, who is married to Janice; Lynnette, who is married to Greg Orchekowski; six grandchildren, including Josh who is married to Jessica, Matthew who is married to Michelle, Melissa who is engaged to Ken, Arron, Jennifer who is engaged to Corey, Nicholas and partner Christian; and four great-grandchildren, Aurora, Mika, Milo and Jace.
Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, located at 48800 Warm Springs Blvd. in Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family may consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, cancer.org/donate.
