Cheryl L. Lankford

Cheryl was born in DeLand and graduated from DeLand High School in 1973. After earning an AS degree in Mortuary Science from Miami Dade Community College in 1978, she worked as a customer service representative for Batesville Casket Company for 4 years. In 1984, Cheryl returned to DeLand to join the family business.

A member of the DeLand Breakfast Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, Cheryl is also the chairperson of the Legislative Committee of the Independent Funeral Directors of Florida (IFDF). She also concurrently holds the office of Vice President of the IFDF. She remains active in Tallahassee championing consumer awareness with regard to the rules and regulations that govern the funeral industry.

In November 2004, Cheryl ran for and was elected to serve as commissioner for the West Volusia Hospital Authority Board. Cheryl enjoys riding her Harley and the outdoors.

Lawrence T. Lankford (Larry)

A 1963 graduate of DeLand High School, Larry was born in DeLand, FL. In 1967, he graduated from Miami Dade Community College where he received an AS degree in Mortuary Science. Upon graduation, Larry returned to DeLand to join the family business. Larry specializes in the field of restorative art and embalming.

Larry and his wife Sandy were married in 1996.  Larry has a son, Mark Lankford, and two granddaughters, Tori and Maddie.

Larry is a member of the DeLand Elks Club #1463 and the Independent Funeral Directors of Florida.

He enjoys riding his motorcycle, fishing and "attempting to hunt".

Brian K. Gifford

Brian was born in Virginia Beach, VA and was raised in DeLand, FL. He graduated from DeLand High School in 1986. After graduating from Daytona Beach Community College and attending the University of Florida, Brian graduated from Gupton Jones College in Atlanta, GA with an AS degree in Mortuary Science. Brian is a licensed funeral director and life insurance agent and has been with Lankford since 1992.

Brian is a member of the Elks Lodge #1463 and served as their Exalted Ruler in the past. He is also a member of the Independent Funeral Directors of Florida.

Brian and his wife Melissa (prior secretary and hairdresser for Lankford, currently earning her RN Degree) were married in 2002 and have one son, Dillon. Brian enjoys hunting and spending time in the great outdoors.

Barry C. Meyers

Barry was born in Connellsville, PA and moved to Orange City, FL in 1957. A 1967 graduate of DeLand High School, he went on to earn his AS degree in Mortuary Sciece from Miami Dade Community College in 1970. Barry is also a graduate of, and a graduate assistant for, the Dale Carnegie Institute. Barry became a member of the Lankford Funeral Home family in 1965 while still atttending high school.

Barry is a past Master of St. John's Lodge #37. He is a Blue Lodge Mason, a member of the York and Scottish Rite Masons and the Shrine Temple. He is a past president of both the DeBary and Orange City Lions Clubs.

Barry and his wife, Marilyn, have two children, Kelly Morris and Barry Meyers, both of Deltona, FL. Barry and Marilyn are active in many community organizations, including the Southeastern Guide Dogs of Florida, for whom they are Puppy Raisers. They enjoy classic cars, their Harley and spending time with their grandchildren, Austin and Megan.

Although your initial contact will most probably be with one of our funeral directors,
the Staff at Lankford is also available to assist you and is a very important part of
the Lankford family.