Gerald Dennis Laney

MIDLAND, TX – Gerald Dennis Laney, 80, of Midland, TX, died on August 14, 2021 at Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, Texas.

Gerald Dennis Laney was born in Kilmichael, Mississippi, in 1940. After graduating from Big Black High School in Kilmichael, he joined the National Guard. Although not considered an active duty military, Papa’s Division was tasked by the U.S. government in 1962 to participate in and ensure the safety of James Meredith, the first African American to attend the ‘University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). Because of his duty and participation in this historic civil rights event, Dad and the rest of his division were federalized and received full veteran benefits for life.

Dad married Evelyn Jeanette Overstreet in 1961. One of their first dates was while mum babysat her nieces. Dad often said that he knew he wanted to marry her and that she would be a wonderful mother by the way she looked after her nieces. This turned out to be true for us girls, Nandra, Michelle, Chasiti and Amanda.

Dad started a career in the garment industry that spanned 20 years spanning 10 states and over 40 moves. The last move to Odessa in 1982, would begin his career in the oil industry. The purchase and sale of valves used by transport trucks and their delivery to the trunk of a ’77 Cadillac, gave way to its first oilfield supply company, Transport & Tank and Factory Warehouse. Years later he started and still owns 50% of Frac Tank Supply.

Apart from work, Dad had many hobbies. Hunting and fishing, auction, collecting weapons and old cars and his real passion, flying. Dad loved to fly. He held many private pilot qualifications, including an instructor rating which he used to teach countless others.

Dad loved children and animals. He always said: “never trust a man who doesn’t like a dog”. He believed that Jesus Christ was Lord and Savior and raised us all to be believers. He was kind and generous and believed everyone deserved a chance. Sometimes 2 or 3! He dreamed of creating foundations to help people in need. He enjoyed giving Christmas money to random people at Walmart and paying for layaways.

Although our pain is overwhelming, knowing that he and Mom are together again and neither of them is in pain anymore, is heartwarming.

Even though we wish he could stay, I guess God needed a good pilot. We love you dad.

He is survived by five children: Nandra Dennis (Sam) of Hempstead, TX, Stephanie Laney (Mary Sanchez) of Midland, TX, Chasiti Baker (Bruce) of Midland, TX, Amanda Dickson (Steven) of Midland, TX, and Isreal Patino from Odessa, Texas; nine grandchildren: Laney DeShelter (Craig), Madilyn Laney, Jacob Laney, Bryan Baker, Matthew Sanchez, Chicago Dickson, Providence Dickson, Mikalyn Fossett and Sofia Patino; three siblings: Curtis Laney (Lilly), Sherry Thompson (Donald Ray) and Ginger Wolfe (Freddy); and his great-grandson, Breon Laney; great-granddaughter Mili Sanchez; great-granddaughter Ella Sanchez; great-grandson Ashton Sanchez; and great-grandson Daniel Stowe.

He is predeceased by: his parents, Elizabeth (Campbell), JW and Elizabeth (Campbell) Laney.

Visitations will be held Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the American Heritage Funeral Home in Midland, TX.

Funeral services will be held on Friday August 27, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at American Heritage Funeral Home with Talor Nunez as celebrant. Interment will take place at the American Heritage Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the crematorium of American Heritage Cemetery in Midland, Texas.