Dale J. LaVanway

LAVANWAY, Dale Joseph, 78, passed May 15, 2016 at Melech Hospice House surrounded by family. He was born in Eau Claire, Michigan, the son of Ivan D and Nila (Massey) LaVanway, on December 6, 1937. He was educated in Eau Claire, and joined the Navy in 1955 to 1977, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer working in EOD. He then worked for the U. S. Postal service until his retirement. Dale was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to play cards, and golf in his later years. He loved to cook, and when he traveled, his stories usually referred to what foods he had eaten. He always had a quick wit and a smile for most people he talked to. Dale is survived by the love of his life, his wife Jackie LaVanway, whom he would have been married to for 40 years on June 2nd; a sister Shirley Schaffer, a son Rickey LaVanway, daughters Nicki (Scott) Mercer, Michele Goggin, stepsons Billy (Gail) Joyner, Bobby (Tina) Joyner, Ronald (Teresa) Joyner, and Tommy (Toni) Joyner. He has 23 grand children, and many great grand children. He is predeceased by his sister, Barbara Carnahan, son Ivan D. LaVanway, and a great grand daughter Kahli White. Military Honors and graveside services will held 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 27, 2106 at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Words of comfort may be expressed for Dale’s family by clicking "Share a Memory."