Leland C. Lavender, 91, of Huntsville, Alabama passed away Thursday, January 19, 2017. Leland was known as Lee or Cleo to family and friends.
Leland was born July 31, 1925 in the small community of Deer Lodge, Tennessee to Leland Thurman Lavender and Debbie Lavender. Leland was a decorated WWII veteran and a survivor of the crash of Southern Airways Flight 242.
Leland was called to military service at the age of 18 and after his service worked with NCR in Dayton, Ohio, later moving to Chicago, Illinois to attend college. In 1952 he and several of his college friends moved to Huntsville, Alabama where he went on to teach electronics, work with early missile systems, NIKE X, Safeguard and the Patriot Missile System.
Outside of his work, he loved spending time with his children and loving wife Rosemary which he married in 1954. They enjoyed working on projects, golfing, traveling, outdoor activities and spending time with friends over many years.
Leland was preceded in death by his parents Thurman and Debbie Lavender, his loving wife Rosemary, and brothers Dale Lavender, Austin Lavender and Harold Lavender.
He is survived by daughter, Debra Patterson (James); son, Gary Lavender (Marty); grandchildren, Marissa Lavender, Ashley Lavender and Meredith Barbee; and several and nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday, January 23, 2017 at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, with the funeral following at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be appreciative of contributions to the First Baptist Church – Deer Lodge Tennessee 201 Deer Lodge Highway Deer Lodge, Tennessee 37726.
