Dennis L. Lavender

Dennis L. Lavender, age 76 of Thornville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 5, 1947, at Ft. Bragg, NC. Dennis graduated in 1966 from Southern High School in Baltimore, MD. A proud veteran who served in the US Air Force from 1966 to 1970. His service included a tour in Vietnam and Thailand. Dennis worked at a few different companies, but he was best known as the owner of the Feed Barn in Thornville, which he retired from. He was a member of the Thornville AmVets, Newark American Legion, Newark VFW, Heath Eagles and served as Treasurer of the Disabled Veterans Outdoors. Dennis loved his karaoke, especially when Alexis was singing alongside him and when Steven and Casey joined in for the evening. He was part of the National Barrel Horse Association where he competed in the Senior and Open Divisions on “Scratch”. He was always trying, but never could, beat Steven’s times. Dennis was also a District Director of the Ohio High school Rodeo Association where his daughter, Stephanie was a member for four years. Dennis loved his family and all the family gatherings they had together. Family was his pride and joy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Rose Lavender and his son, Jeffrey Peter Lavender. Dennis is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Linda (DaGrava) Lavender; children, Stephanie (Eric Correll) Reynolds of Thornville, Steven (Mitzi) Lavender of Thornville, Dennis Spalding (Michelle) of Riverside, CA; grandchildren, Alexis (Austin) Walker, Breanna Reynolds, Matthew Lavender, Dillon Grant, Kate Spalding, Khloe Spalding; great grandchildren, Lynleigh Walker and Denver Walker; sister, Rosalie Ware; brother, Larry (Mary Jane) Lavender, brothers-in-law, Dennis DaGrava, Tim DaGrava and Dan DaGrava; sisters-in-law, Lynette DaGrava and Jamie DaGrava; longtime friends, Casey and Leslie Taylor; numerous nieces and nephews. The family is asking that inlieu of flowers donations be made to the Disabled Veterans Outdoors, Box2, New Lexington, Ohio 43764. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 PM Sunday, April 14th at the Thornville AmVets. The Color Guard Service will begin at 1 PM Sunday. Please visit www.HoskinsonFuneral.com to share a special memory about Denn