City Of Kingman

Vergil Lantis

Vergil Lantis spent much of his life working the land where he was raised in Cleveland, Kansas. In addition to farming, he was a skilled electrician and worked for many years at Stuart’s Hardware and later Dixon’s Hardware in Kingman.

Vergil had a natural talent for building and working with his hands. He constructed both homes where he and his family lived. The first was built in Cleveland, Kansas, and later, after moving to Kingman, he built their family home on East Copeland. His love of building extended to many smaller projects as well, from birdhouses to Christmas mangers and reindeer that brought joy to family and neighbors.

Vergil was deeply involved in the Kingman community. He was an active member of the Kingman Christian Church and a proud member of the Masonic Lodge, where he became a 32nd Degree Mason. As a member of the Kingman Ringmasters, he participated in many parades throughout Kingman and the surrounding areas. His tractor — known for carrying a Ferris wheel on the back — became a familiar and memorable sight.

Vergil also enjoyed helping create special experiences for local children, accompanying Kingman’s fifth graders each year to the Midian Shrine Circus in Wichita.

Known as a man of integrity and respect, Vergil was kind and gentle and always ready to help others. Whether digging neighbors out of the snow, opening Dixon’s after hours so a family could restore heat, or helping loved ones in countless unselfish ways, Vergil was someone people could always depend on. He loved animals and was known for his wonderful sense of humor.

Earnest Lam

Earnest Lam was a proud veteran and active member of the Kingman community. A member of the VFW, he took part in many community parades and was known for his involvement in local theatrical productions.

Earnest enjoyed bringing entertainment and laughter to others. He often volunteered his time performing and providing entertainment at local rest homes, sharing music, humor, and companionship with residents.

He was also an avid ham radio operator and enjoyed hobbies such as camping and fishing. During the Vietnam War, Earnest used his radio skills to help connect soldiers serving overseas with their families back home, arranging phone patches that allowed loved ones to speak during difficult times.

Earnest dedicated many years of service to the City of Kingman, working at the power plant from 1973 until his retirement in 1993. Through both his professional work and his many volunteer efforts, Earnest contributed greatly to the life of the community.