(February 11, 1938 – March 29, 2022)
Ken Lanzalaco, 84 of Sulphur, LA passed away March 29, 2022. He was born February 11, 1938 in Cleveland, OH to the late Michael P. Lanzalaco and Lucille (Sasso) Lanzalaco. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and dedicated Special Forces soldier.
Ken’s Military Service extended over 25+ years including the Navy, Army and Reserves. He retired from active duty as a Green Beret Master Sergeant and obtained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the reserves. He served in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Iran, Central and South America. Ken was a member of the elite Blue Light Unit attached to the 5th Special Forces Group. He was awarded 3 Bronze Stars along with many other medals, awards and citations. Ken also worked for the Department of Energy, various defense contractors and was the founder of American Defense Services. He was a graduate of Tarleton State University.
There was nothing Ken enjoyed more than being around his family, friends and other veterans. He was a member of the Special Forces Association, Special Operations Association, Special Forces Motorcycle Club, American Legion, and VFW.
Ken is survived by his loving wife Frankie (Anderson) Lanzalaco for over 35 years. His children Michael W.P. Lanzalaco, Kenneth A. Lanzalaco, Michelle M. Lanzalaco, Robert L. Wanamaker, Evelyn L. Wanamaker, Kenneth R. Wanamaker, Jayne Ann(Wanamaker) Bernabe; Grandchildren Nicole (Lanzalaco) Singleton, Kenneth M. Lanzalaco, Alyssa Lanzalaco, Mylon Bowen, Amber Soke, Courtney Wanamaker, Sam Wanamaker, Sean Wanamaker, Frankie Wanamaker, Hannah Wanamaker, Jackson Bernabe and 11 great grandchildren. Also his sisters JoAnn (Lanzalaco) Abrams and Margaret (Lanzalaco) Bowman.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his children’s mother, Charlotte (Spehar) Lanzalaco.
Family, Honor, Country
Ken is missed by those very same veterans. De Oppresso Liber. God’s Blessings