Billy A. “Pete” Lankford, 78, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, January 22, 2014, at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth, Beaumont. He was born on July 11, 1935, in Lufkin, to Allie Stevens Lankford and Mather Lankford.  Pete loved seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren playing outside.  He took pleasure in dancing, watching western movies, and he enjoyed fresh vegetables.  He was a sweet, honest, polite and gentle man.

Mr. Lankford is survived by his wife, Janece “Jan” Lankford; daughters, Melinda Flanagan and her husband, Jon, of Lumberton, and Tina Cooley of Leander; grandchildren, Specialist Jonathan Justin Flanagan, Nicholas Shaun Flanagan, and Lacy Jan Cooley; great-grandchildren, Kayla Flanagan and Brendon Max Flanagan; sisters, Doris Johns and her husband, James, of Beaumont, and Sue Harris of Beaumont and Houston. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Allene Harbuck, Mazie Tweedy, Dazie Lankford, and Mary Jamroz; brother, Abe L. Lankford.

A gathering of Mr. Lankford’s family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 24, 2014, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.  His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2014, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.