Larry S. Lavender

    A memorial service celebrating the life of Larry S. Lavender, 62, of Newark, will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service, with Pastor Zack Morgan officiating.  Friends may call at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street, Newark, one hour prior to the memorial service on Saturday, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.  The family has asked that everyone dress casual for the memorial service. Larry was born in Hope, Arkansas on June 29, 1956 to the late Leland Lavender and Mary (Haney) Lavender of Mississippi.  He passed away on September 25, 2018 at Newark Care and Rehabilitation. Larry graduated from Hope High School in Hope, Arkansas, as Valedictorian, Class of 1974; he received his Bachelor Degree from the University of Arkansas and his Master’s Degree from the University of Texas.  Larry worked extensively on designing and maintaining off-shore oil platforms for ExxonMobil in New Orleans and Houston; was also a partner with Varo Engineers; and retired from Momentive Performance Material in Hebron as a Professional Engineer. Larry was very patriotic, respected the US Flag, and loved President Trump and the First Lady.  He was a member of the National Rifle Association; attended the Little Brown Jug for many years; was a master of grilling, smoking and barbequing; and enjoyed attending the Midland Theatre.  Larry had a fun and outgoing personality and he loved everyone he met and will be missed by everyone that knew him. In addition to his mother, survivors include his loving wife, Rebecca L. (McNelley) Lavender; sons, Matthew (Tracy) McNelley and Derek Johnson; Sister, Susan; grandchildren, Charlie Jo, Malachi, Chaunce and Larkin; and numerous nieces, nephews and many special friends. In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by brothers, Jake and Tom. The family would like to thank Hospice of Central Ohio, especially Cassandra and Jennifer, all the doctors and staff, and John Businger and staff, for all of the love and care that was provided to Larry and his family during his illness. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Larry to the Licking County Humane Society, 825 Thornwood Dr. SW, Heath, Ohio 43056 or to Foundation For Hospice of Central Ohio, PO Box 430, Newark, Ohio 43058-0430. Visit www.HoskinsonFuneral.com to share a special memory about Larry or to sign an online guest book. Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Larry and the Lavender family.