Lavon Palmer Haxby

Lavon Palmer Haxby, a long time Houston resident, died Tuesday, September 15,2015. He was born at Lodge Pole, Nebraska on February 22, 1923 to William C. and Zora B. Haxby. He attended high school in Cedar Bluffs Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska as a Mechanical Engineer. After a short time in the military he began a career in the oil industry by accepting a job with the Shell companies where he worked for thirty seven years before retiring. During that period he worked in California, New York, and Houston in various positions ending up in the Shell Head Office management ranks. He served as a technical representative on petroleum products to the aviation industry and was a consultant to various branches of the military on many occasions. He was active in the oil and chemical industry trade associations and did public speaking and provided testimony before both senate and house committees on several joint industry environmental problems. Following retirement he worked for over twenty years as a volunteer at Memorial Assistance Ministry serving as Chairman to the Thursday evening work staff."Hax" was married December 24, 1943 to Roberta Fenstermacher to which three daughters Jill, Nancy, and Sherry were born. He married again October 3, 1981 to Frances Summers. He is now survived by his wife, Fran, daughter Jill Julian and husband Doug of Bristol, Connecticut, daughter Nancy Lordan and husband Jerry of Marion, Indiana, son-in-law, Kenneth Nicholson of Newport News, Virginia, step-daughter, Debbie Thomas of Tulsa Oklahoma, six grandchildren, one step-granddaughter, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Roberta, daughter Sherry, and his sister, Clairbell. He was a member of the Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church where he sang in the sanctuary choir for many years. In addition, he was an active member in the Kings Men and Men of Leisure barbershop choruses.A memorial service will be held at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church on Monday, September, 21, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception.In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of choice.