Leroy Lewis Lavender

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Leroy Lewis Lavender, 75, passed away Thursday, Aug. 24. Leroy was born June 22, 1942 in Houston to Russel Edward Lavender and Ruby Ella Turk Lavender. He married Ann Michelle Whitehead on December 25, 1989 in Gonzales. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was heavily involved with GCAM.

Leroy Lavender was a man who lived to serve his God and in doing so, served others. His service went beyond the physical, and into the spiritual. On Sundays you could find Leroy at the Rhomberg House ministering to those unable to attend church. To him, "the ladies" were part of his family. He was on the board of GCAM, and was a blessing to numerous people who utilized their services. He was proud of his time spent serving his county in the United States Army. He served on the dive and rescue team in Washington State team for two years.

Anyone who knew Leroy knew he loved to laugh and make jokes. His favorite sayings were "have a cof -a-cupee", “do you have your livers (drivers) dricense (license)" and when asked how he was doing, would respond "I woke up." His love of life was contagious, and he lived for adventure. Leroy and Michelle took many trips together. He enjoyed hiking and being out in nature, in fact this July Leroy and Michelle hiked a total of 50 miles at Glacier National Park in Montana.

Leroy was definitely a family man. From early on, he helped take care of his aunts and cousins. Leroy always put others before himself. He and his sister Ann depended on each other greatly. He enjoyed spending as much time with his grandkids as possible, and taught each of them to fish and hunt as well as other life lessons such as responsibility and living right. Leroy had so many stories that he passed on to each one from true stories to tall tales. He took them on adventures to the "hidey holes" where as a child he had played Cowboys and Indians with his cousins. Leroy’s most famous tale is about "talking fences that told stories."

Leroy grew up in Houston but liked to say he got out of there as soon as possible. Not long after he moved to Gonzales, his son, Scott joined him where they lived until Scott graduated from Gonzales High School. Michelle and Holly later became a part of his family, living with him in Gonzales. Holly had the privilege of being loved and raised by Leroy.

Leroy was affectionately known as Lucky to many friends and he had many of them! He was the type of person that made friends everywhere he went. He had an approachability about him that drew others to him. He easily made conversation with anyone at any time. Even strangers, after a brief encounter with Leroy have said "I like that guy; I think we could be friends."

Leroy is survived by his loving family, wife, Michelle Lavender of Gonzales, son, Scott Andrew Lavender of Montgomery, daughter and son-in-law, Holly Ann and Shawn Woodson of Gatesville, sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Barry Satterwhite of Gonzales, grandchildren, Jerahmy Lavender and significant other, Jade Kekauaha, Jakob Hancock, Victoria Ann Lavender, Matthew Braydon Lavender, Benjamin Everitte Woodson and Ann Corriene Woodson and great-grandchild, Aleksander Lavender. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 in the First United Methodist Church. Pallbearers Include: Mason Matejcek, J.T. Satterwhite, K.C. Satterwhite, Andy Miller, Cody Whitehead and Jake Miller. Honorary pallbearers: Brian Fees, Guy Gandre and Zane Whitehead. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday evening in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to GCAM, Faith Family Church, or the First United Methodist Church. Friends may sign the guest book by visiting www.seyderhillfunerahome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.

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