Bro. Robert Frank Lankford

Funeral services for Bro. Robert Frank Lankford, 72, of Apple Springs will be held Friday, November 6, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bryan Lipscomb officiating. Interment will follow in Bennett Cemetery.

Bro. Lankford was born June 24, 1954 in Madera, California to Lonnie Geneva (Floyd) and Charles Theodore “Red” Lankford, and died Sunday, November 1, 2026 at his residence.

Bro. Lankford had resided in Apple Springs for 50 plus years. He was a log truck driver for 20 years with the call sign “Salty Dog” and retired from Firestone. Bro. Lankford received a Certificate of Ministry from East Texas Baptist University and was the pastor of Wakefield Baptist Church in Corrigan for 29 years. He served on the Apple Springs School Board for 15 plus years. After retirement he enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved cooking for his family. He could cook anything and was an excellent baker. He made amazing banana bread and apple butter.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Deborah (Bazar) Lankford; sons and daughters-in-law, Chris and Meri Dickens of Apple Springs, Bobby and Miranda Lankford of Apple Springs, Kevin Lankford of Lubbock, and Dwayne and Angel Lankford of Onalaska; daughters and son-in-law, Kimberly and Michael Donohew of Englewood, Florida and Kelly Lankford of Apple Springs; grandchildren and spouses, Alyssa and Raney Anderson, Destiny and David Parnell, Kourtnie and Lariat Emley, Dakota and Addy Lankford, Jimmie White, Jesse Dickens, Felicia and Jeffry Rhoden, Danielle Lankford, Alan Lankford, Ty Nicholson, Zachery Lankford, Lauren Lankford, Allison Lankford, Lilly Lankford, Jax Lankford, Mikel Lankford, Tori Lankford, Gary and Amber Voss, Savannah Lankford, and Annie Donohew; 15 great-grandchildren; mother, Geneva Lankford of Huntington; brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Vanessa Lankford of Apple Springs; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Gary Tullos of Hudson; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Kendrick and Gary Tullos.

The family extends special thanks to Hospice in the Pines for their excellent care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bennett Cemetery Association, 8725 FM 2501, Apple Springs, Texas 75926, or Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.