Roland L. "Lanny" Kiest Jr.

As Lanny Kiest's daughters, we were privileged to watch him build a remarkable life. We saw him succeed in broadcast sales, excel at volleyball and golf, and fill rooms with song through his love of barbershop harmony. Through his example, he taught us the value of hard work, the importance of pursuing our passions, and the resilience needed to navigate life's joys and challenges.

Lanny was born on December 24, 1937, in Rockford, Illinois. He attended Oregon High School, where he played football and basketball before continuing his education at Knox College. There, he played football and participated in the ROTC program.

After graduating in 1959, Lanny was commissioned into the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. He served his country with pride before beginning what would become a successful career in sales and television management.

His professional journey began in the advertising department of a bubble gum company on Long Island, New York. After a brief stint with an advertising agency, he discovered his true calling in television sales and management. His career took him and his family to Saginaw, Michigan; Houston, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Tallahassee, Florida; and Midland-Odessa, Texas, before he joined KLST-TV in San Angelo, where he remained until retiring in 2007.

While attending college, Lanny met the love of his life, Sallie Utley. Their story began thanks to a little matchmaking by Lanny's mother, Elizabeth, who lived across the street from Sallie's family. Proud of her tall, handsome, athletic son, Elizabeth persuaded Sallie to stop by while Lanny was home from college. Sallie, who stood 5-foot-11, was immediately impressed by his height and charm. She later joked that she broke two longstanding rules by dating a man with a big nose and big ears. Lanny, meanwhile, was captivated by Sallie's beauty, intelligence, and unforgettable personality.

The two quickly became inseparable and were married on July 3, 1963. Together, they built a loving family, raising three daughters, Tracey, Meredith, and Kelly, and later welcoming six cherished grandchildren.

While living in Houston, Lanny discovered barbershop harmony and immediately fell in love with the music. For nearly four decades, he sang in choruses and quartets, and with the Twin Mountain Tonesmen in San Angelo. Music brought him tremendous joy, lifelong friendships, and countless memorable performances. In recognition of his dedication, he received the organization's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lanny was also an accomplished golfer who rarely passed up an opportunity to spend a day on the course with friends. Golf remained one of his greatest joys throughout his life. As recently as July, he could still be found on the links, appreciating the beauty around him, the satisfaction of a well-struck shot, and the companionship and laughter that made the game so special.

Lanny was an active member of First United Methodist Church and the Rotary Club of San Angelo, and he served on the board of La Esperanza Clinic, generously sharing his time and talents with the community he loved.

Lanny is survived by his daughters, Tracey, Meredith, and Kelly; six beloved grandchildren; his sister-in-law; and many friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, humor, and friendship.

A celebration of Lanny's life will be held on Saturday, September 12, at 11:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church, 37 E. Beauregard Ave., San Angelo. A reception will follow the service.

Lanny will be remembered for his devotion to family, faith, and friendship, and for his extraordinary ability to make friends wherever life took him.