Harry Lavender

Bluefield, WV - Harry Kenneth Lavender, 91, of Bluefield, West Virginia, died on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. "Ken," was born at Wilcoe, West Virginia, on April 13, 1917, to James Kent and Minnie Bouldin Lavender. A World War II Veteran, he served tours of duty in the U.S. and Central Europe from 1942 to 1946 and recieved an honorable discharge with the rank of T/Sgt. He married Mary Elizabeth Keys on August 10, 1946. For 35 years Ken worked as a miner for U.S Steel in Gary, WV, 25 of those as a Mine Foreman. In 1964 he was seriously injured in a mining accident. After his recovery, he continued to work in the mining industry until his retirement in 1972. He served as Past Commander of American Legion Riley Vest Post 9, a past member of Gary Post 38, and as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3856. Ken was also a member of the Masonic Lodge AF&AM #85, Beni Kedem Shrine Temple of Charleston, WV, and the Bluefield Shrine Club. Ken lived life with enthusiasm and dedication. He was an avid golfer, fisherman and baseball fan. He used his endless energy to take care of his family and to serve his community as well as several charitable organizations. After his retirement he spent most of his time doing work for others. With the Shriners he volunteered as a driver, transporting disabled children from the Coalfields to hospitals in other states for specialized treatment. He promoted baseball programs with Little League and the American Legion, and was instrumental in the construction of the athletic field at Brushfork Armory. He was also a volunteer for the Special Olympics, past president of the Cumberland Heights Elementary PTO, and active member of Bland Street United Merthodist Church. Ken Lavender is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Joe, Charles, Robert and Victor. He is survived by his wife "Libby" Lavender, daughter Rebekah Lavender of Charlotte, NC., son Joe Lavender of Cary, NC., niece Mary Ann Lavender of Tazewell, VA., nephew Charles Lavender of Anawalt, WV., nephew Jimmy Hickam of Roanoke, VA., Nephew Homer Hickam of Huntsville, AL., nephew Kent Lavender of Durham, NC., nephew Wallace Lavender of High Point, NC., and niece Jody Lewis of Claytor Lake, VA. Services will be held at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton WV on Saturday, January 17th, 2009 at 2 p.m. Donations may be made to Bland Street United Methodist Church of Bluefield, WV. in lieu of flowers. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory of Bluefield is serving the family of Harry Lavender.

Harry Lavender

April 13, 1917 - January 13, 2009