LaNita Hackney

(From Lockwood Funeral Chapel)

LaNita Kaye (Wilhelm) Hackney, 59, of Lockwood, Missouri, departed this world on Friday, December 29, 2023, after a long and difficult battle with brain cancer. She passed peacefully with loved ones by her side.

LaNita was born on December 14, 1964, in Lamar, Missouri. She attended Golden City Public Schools and was very involved in various clubs, holding several offices there. She graduated from Golden City High School in 1983 and was Valedictorian of her senior class.

After graduation, LaNita attended Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri. She spent her college years planning many concerts and events and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1987.

LaNita spent most of her career teaching at Lockwood Public Schools. This is where she met the love of her life, Craig Hackney. They were introduced over a can of nacho cheese, and the rest is history. Craig and LaNita were married on July 25th, 1992, in Lockwood, Missouri. Together, they raised two daughters, Kate and Jolean. They also dedicated their lives to guiding and teaching hundreds of other children.

LaNita dedicated her entire life to those around her, whether it was her family, friends, students, church, or community. While teaching at Lockwood, she wore many hats: cheer sponsor, student council sponsor, drama club sponsor, Title 1 reading, middle school math, and librarian, to name a few. Regardless of the hat she wore, she always gave it her all. After retiring from education, LaNita went to work as the Director of the Dade County Library in Greenfield, Missouri. She dedicated the next seven years to bettering the library in any way possible.

One of LaNita’s greatest passions was traveling. Throughout the years, she and Craig visited all 50 states, Mexico and Canada. Branson was her second home, and she loved spending the weekends in the RV. She enjoyed riding on the golf cart and floating in the pool for hours.

LaNita always had a passion for music. She was involved in choir throughout her school days, and was the biggest supporter for her husband and daughters’ musical ventures. She always enjoyed playing the piano and singing at church.

LaNita was preceded in death by her parents, Wilburn and Arlean Wilhelm; her in-laws, Bill and Joan Hackney; one sister, Mary Arlean Wilhelm; and two brother-in-laws, Larry Hayden and Jim Hackney. LaNita is survived by her husband, Craig Hackney; daughters, Kate Hackney and Jolean Gunter; son-in-law, Ethan Gunter; sisters, Juanita Seela (Leroy) and Bonnie Hayden; brothers, Gary Wilhelm (Helen), John Wilhelm, and Steven Wilhelm (Jill). Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff of Cox Health, Good Shepherd, and Compassus for the exceptional care LaNita received in her final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lockwood Elementary School to purchase books for the students.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the Lockwood United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. at the church. Services are under the care of Lockwood Funeral Chapel.