LaVern was born to Millard and Katharyn (Katie) Robbins on December 17, 1938, in Belleville. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Cold War Berlin Crisis of 1958 and 59. He met the love of his life, Joyce Hedding, at a harvest festival in Barnes, days before boarding a ship to Germany. They married after five dates when he was on leave months later. They enjoyed 60 years together before her passing in 2020.
LaVern was a loyal friend and dedicated employee. During his employment at West Plains Energy, he never missed a day of work in over 40 years.
LaVern was engaged in his community, serving two terms as a commissioner for Concordia from 1993-97 and serving as mayor in 1993 and 1996. He stood with the families of deceased veterans as an Honor Guard at graveside services for many years.
LaVern was an outdoorsman and spent much of his spare time on the Republican River, Jamestown Lake and the Salt Creek watershed, hunting deer, pheasant, and bow fishing.
LaVern was a storyteller, turning many chance encounters into friendships during his lifetime.
LaVern was a Christian and a witness for Christ by the life he lived. He was a father to Kenneth (Ken) & Carol, Lori & Ron, David & Mary, Michelle & Thad; grandfather to Larry, Paul, Lindsay, David, Larrissa, Travis, Clinton, Renee, Rachel, and Kiara; great-grandfather to Airiona, Skyler, Lauren, Jenna, Duke, Jacob (Jake), and Bowie. Lavern was a father figure to many.
LaVern was preceded in death by his twin, LaVon May Svoboda of Lincoln Nebraska; sister, Elda Roe of Belleville; brother, Dennis of Lenora, and his parents.
LaVern’s family will host a visitation with friends at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home in Concordia on Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. and a Graveside Service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, south of Belleville, on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Golden Bell Haven Senior Center, 1407 17th Street, Belleville, Kansas 66935.
