Beloved Capshaw Elementary Crossing Guard Lanny Vaught, better known as Mr. Lanny, has passed away.
Vaught served as the crossing guard at Capshaw Elementary for six years and previously spent several years in law enforcement. Capshaw Elementary Principal Renee Cantrell said Vaught was a blessing.
“Rain or shine, he was greeting everyone with a warm smile, he wished them good morning and good afternoon, he even saluted passing vehicles,” Cantrell said. “He was just such a positive impact on everyone he came in contact with.”
Cantrell said when Vaught retired from guiding traffic, he even stayed extra days to help train the new crossing guard. Vaught passed away at the age of 87. Cantrell said Vaught will be dearly missed.
“Oh my gosh, there will always be a place in our heart for Mr. Lanny,” Cantrell said. “I have a photo tile wall in my office, and there is a picture with me and Mr. Lanny, and my assistant principal. And I get to see that every single day and just remember him and how blessed we were to have him.”
Vaught received Putnam County Schools “I Make a Difference Award” in 2024. Cantrell said what Vaught taught everyone was how important it is to greet everyone with a smile.
“He just left us with the importance of making people feel valued, and feel seen, and feel heard, because he did that every single day,” Cantrell said.
Cantrell said Vaught was so beloved that one gentleman who did not even have a child in school would come by often to see him. Cantrell said the school is looking into a way to honor Vaught for his services and impact on the community.
