Lanny Gale McMahill

Obituary

Lanny Gale McMahill, 75, passed away in his sleep on June 14, 2025, in Chandler, Arizona. Born in Rock Island, Illinois, to Gearold O. and Cecille E. (Drain) McMahill, he lived a life distinguished by technical mastery, quiet integrity, and genuine kindness.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 52 years, Janet Lee McMahill; sons Chad Eric McMahill of Surprise, Arizona, and Lucas Sean McMahill of Mesa, Arizona; sister Margo Kay Jackson of Moline, Illinois; and twin brother Lamont "Monte" Gearold McMahill of Vernon, Arizona.

Lanny's career began as an electrician in the Quad Cities, where he served on the board of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local #145. Relocating to Phoenix in 1986, he distinguished himself as Electrical Inspections Supervisor for the City of Phoenix across 22 years of service.

His expertise elevated him within the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, progressing from Southwestern President to International President in 2004. As an IAEI instructor, he remained actively engaged through retirement, contributing articles, conducting training, and participating in annual conferences with unwavering dedication.

Concurrent with his municipal role, Lanny joined the board of Underwriters Laboratories, where his passionate advocacy for evolving codes and standards impressed leadership sufficiently to recruit him as a Field Evaluation Engineer—a position he held for nine years before retiring.

Curiosity drove Lanny's every endeavor. Whether figuring out electrical systems, rebuilding racing engines, or calibrating clocks, he approached each challenge with genuine fascination. His workshop always housed multiple projects, reflecting a mind that thrived on understanding how things worked.

Classic cars captured his enduring affection throughout his life. In later years, he channeled this mechanical passion into meticulously crafted pinewood derby cars and high-speed remote control vehicles, delighting in their precision and competing successfully in local races. He simultaneously mastered drone operation, joining a local club and approaching all three pursuits with methodical fascination and characteristic attention to detail.

Patience and wisdom defined Lanny's approach to life. He understood that good things take time. His was a simple philosophy: do your work quietly, without seeking praise, and without complaint. His kindness showed in countless ways—whether by recalling the names of people he had met only once in years prior, or by taking phone calls from strangers needing electrical advice well into retirement.

Though economical with words, Lanny delivered them with perfect timing. His observations carried weight precisely because they were thoughtfully chosen. He delighted in clever TV commercials and possessed an encyclopedic recall of song lyrics spanning decades. A man of few words, when Lanny spoke, it was usually worth the wait—often a real zinger that would catch you off guard and leave you grinning.

Memorial arrangements remain pending, with updates forthcoming on this memorial page.

Please leave a comment, a story, a remembrance... or share a photo. Lanny was the kind of person who cherished all of his relationships, big or small, far or near, deep or glancing. Your personal account of time spent with him is welcome. Thank you.

Gallery

Guestbook

August 22, 2025

I have always admired Lanny. He conducted himself with impeccable integrity and humility, traits that were not only professional but also the cornerstones of his personal life. His unwavering commitment to his values and his genuine kindness were evident in every aspect of his existence.

Lanny was a certified journeyman wireman and an IAEI Certified Master Electrical Inspector. He had been an active member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) since 1987. His involvement included serving on various committees and boards, where his insights and analytical skills contributed significantly to the electrical industry.

Even though Lanny has passed away, his influence remains strong among his friends and the many people he affected in his work and personal life. His values of honesty, excellence, and kindness will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Lanny McMahill will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered for his unwavering commitment to those he served. His steadfast desire to make the world a better place was a testament to his character. Rest in peace, dear Lanny. Your light will continue to shine in the hearts of many.

Steven Jones

August 22, 2025

I had the honor of working for such a blessed man. Lanny was so knowledgeable.
He was such a great instructor, kind, patient and understanding. God’s Peace to your family.

Benny Figueroa

July 2, 2025

I’m going to miss Lanny. We had some fun times together flying drones and racing our RC cars. He was a gentle soul with a kind heart.

Len Craig

July 1, 2025

Lanny was a great man that was a true leader in the electrical industry. He has left lasting impact on the industry and the people within it.

Tim McClintock

June 27, 2025

What a lovely history of Lanny's life. While I am sure they are just glimpses and tidbits, they make me realize how much we miss when about each other when separated by so many miles - and so much time. Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt memories. Lanny will be missed.

Cheryl McMahill

June 26, 2025

I was sad to hear of Lanny’s passing, but as I think about Lanny’s career and how he affected my life, I have to smile. As I started my career in Phoenix in the late 80’s with Square D, I was pretty green when it came to codes and standards. Being an engineer, I was always inquisitive. I learned how and what we built from my company, but Lanny taught me why we built things the way we do - how the codes dramatically influenced manufacturing. I was hooked! I joined IAEI and have been learning codes and safety ever since. Thank you Lanny for your patience and guidance, for that wry smile when that stubborn light bulb finally went off in my head, and for laughing at my jokes. Most importantly, thank you for your friendship. I have and will continue to cherish it. Something tells me it will be a little harder to find a code violation in heaven, but if there is one, Lanny will find it and gently educate the poor angel who created it :).

Janet, my heartfelt condolences to you and your beautiful family. You are all in my prayers. I really enjoyed seeing you and Lanny at the Section Meeting and talking about old times. It was a wonderful surprise that has even more meaning for me now. God bless you!

Larry Pellerito

June 24, 2025

I knew lanny for many years at eastmark over 55 community. We spent many hours playing pool at the clubhouse..He was a quiet man, great sense of humour,i will miss his friendship and company .rip lanny .your good friend stephen

Stephen pain

June 24, 2025

Lanny always enjoyed sharing ideas and knowledge. As an inspector just really getting into code development he always encouraged to take the next step.

Doug Hughes

June 23, 2025

I can still see Lanny driving his jacked up car down 11th street in Rock Island back in the 60’s. The car sat about 3 feet off the ground and was one of a kind. He was always a lot of fun and will be missed.

Mark Lavery

June 23, 2025

I remember Lanny from high school. A kind soul. Rest in peace.

Cindy Miers Dykhouse

June 22, 2025

I respected Lanny and the wealth of knowledge and compassion he had for the electrical industry. I would see Lanny nearly every year at the IAEI SW Section meetings and enjoyed his presentations and leadership. He was truly a great man and a trusted friend!

Rick Reyburn

June 22, 2025

Lanny was a great friend in high school Rest In Peace 🙏

Gale Hoff

June 22, 2025

Lanny will be missed.

Jed Riley

June 22, 2025

Beautiful words. He will be missed. May you all sense the Lord’s peace and wonderful memories.

MaryEllen Wernsman

June 21, 2025

Lanny sounds like an amazing man. My condolences to his family.

Jonah bishop

June 21, 2025

My condolences. Great man never forgotten. ❤️

Rachel Wilst