Clarence Lavern Lavern Hill

Clarence Lavern Hill went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 1st. He was at home surrounded by the love of his family as he passed from this life to his heavenly home. He was 87 years old and always said his greatest blessings in life were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Lavern was born on December 19, 1924 in Illinois. He grew up with his parents, Clarence V. and Etta Hill in his hometown of Lawrenceville. After graduating Lawrenceville High School, he enlisted to serve his country.

He was a WWII Veteran serving in the US Army Infantry. He served in Germany, Africa, Sicily, France, Switzerland, and Belgium. While in the Army he drove heavy 93 trucks, 5 ton autocars hauling supplies, equipment, and personnel. He drove under blackout and enemy fire over city streets, county roads and fields, and over all types of terrain. Lavern received the Bronze Star, which represents exemplary conduct in ground combat.

In 1949, he married the love of his life, Patty Ann Waldrop. Together, they made a home in Lawrenceville and Evansville. Lavern was a typeset printer for the Evansville Courier and Vincennes Sun Commercial, where he was foreman. Together, they retired from Kwick Klean Industrial Solvents as Salesmen.

He was a longtime member of Central Christian Church of Lawrenceville, IL where he was chairman of the building committee when the church was originally built. He also served as a Deacon and Elder of the church. After locating in Evansville, IN, he attended and was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church.

Lavern was an avid fisherman. He loved going to Kentucky Lake and Lake Okeechobee, FL fishing for crappie. His interests also included hunting, sports on TV, playing cards, collecting antiques and playing with his grandkids.

Lavern is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patty A. Hill; daughter, Greta Jackson (Steve); son, Michael E. Hill all of Evansville; grandchildren, Shawn Jackson (Krista), Brandon Jackson (Nicole), Tyler Jackson (fiancé, Mary Michel), and Lauren Griffith; great-grandchildren, Ben, Abby, Kyle, Heidi, Ty, and Luke Jackson; brothers, Bill Hill (Martha), of Lawrenceville, IL, Don Hill (Delaine) of Port Orange, FL; sisters, Norma McNary of Evansville, Carolyn Harris of Duncanville, TX, Barbara Miller (Resse) of Zion, IL; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence V. and Etta Hill; sister, Eleanor Hull; brother, Bob Hill.

A “Celebration of Life” Service will be held Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 3:00 PM at Centenary United Methodist Church in Evansville, IN, officiated by Rev. Daniel Walker. Friends may visit from 1:00 to 3:00 before the service. The family invites you to join them in celebrating Lavern’s life by sharing dinner at the Family Life Center immediately following the service.

The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to Dr. James Gutmann and staff of Deaconess Highland Clinic, and Deaconess Hospice, especially Mr. Jim Alka for their care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Centenary UMC.