Richard A. Lavender 85, of Englewood, Florida died November 29, 2014 at Sunset Lake Health and Rehab, Venice, Florida. He was born August 24, 1929 in Greenville, Michigan to Glenn and Ruth (Holmes) Lavender.
Richard graduated from Greenville High School in 1947. He retired from Sears as manager of the Specialty Repairs Store in Chicago in 1985 and moved to Florida. During his retirement, he enjoyed traveling, bicycling, reading and the computer, along with being with his children and grandchildren.
On August 21, 1948 he married Ardith Christensen, they raised four children, Gail (Fred) Zittel of Florida, Brenda (Randy) Bailey of Michigan, Curt (Betty) Lavender and Scott (Karen) Lavender all of Illinois; five grandchildren, Lisa (Andy) Graber, Kelly (Josh) Drew of Florida, Dirk Timmer of Michigan, Jacquelyn Lavender and Rusty Lavender of Illinois; a sister, Carolyn (Robert) Raymond of Michigan; sisters-in-law, Mabel Crooks, Myrle Sagendorf and Geraldine Christensen of Michigan; many nieces and nephews. Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ardith Lavender.
He was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, sister-in-law Lucille Thompson, brother-in-law Leroy Christensen.
A memorial service will be at a later date. Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
You may express your condolences at lemonbayfh.com
