Russell Dean Lavender, 79, of Galesburg, died at 3:43 a.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2019 in OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born June 6, 1940, in Monmouth, the son of Joseph A. and Josephine J. (Lovitt) Lavender.
He is survived by a brother, Donald Lavender of Galesburg; sisters-in-law, Marie Lavender of Galesburg, Brenda Lavender of Panama City, Florida, and Connie Whitaker of Knoxville; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Wilbur, Eldon, and Jim Lavender, Ann Purlee, and infant sister, Betty; sisters-in-law, Audrey Lavender and Mary Jo Lavender; and a brother-in-law, Dudley Purlee.
Dean worked at Gale Products for 22 years. He loved to read, to work word puzzles, and animals. Dean enjoyed listening to music and singing. He served in the United States Army.
Cremation will be accorded. Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Pastor Mary Runge will officiate. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is handling arrangements for the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
