Edward Knight LaVanway

Edward Knight LaVanway, age 97, of Rochester Hills, Michigan, died on Saturday April 11, 2020 after a brief fight with COVID-19. Ed was born to Laurence and Viva (Knight) LaVanway on October 15, 1922 in Detroit, Michigan. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity/Alpha Pi at Albion College where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree. After college he joined the Navy working on the USS Santee, an aircraft carrier and later on a hospital ship in the Pacific theatre. He was very proud to be a WWII veteran. After the war he work for the family business and ran that business until retirement. He married the love of his life Joan A. Park in 1958 and they had a love affair that lasted 62 years until his death. They had 2 wonderful children Michele Lewis (Kenneth deceased), Edward (Ted) LaVanway (Carol): 2 grandchildren Emilee Lewis and Abigail (Abby)Lewis; along with many nephews and nieces. He was instrumental in establishing Farmington Hills as a city, along with many other activities with family and community. He was a member of University Presbyterian Church in Rochester Hills, Mi. No services will be held at this time due to social distancing requirements related to COVID-19. A memorial service will be held at a later date.