The funeral service was led by Mr. Bruner, friend from the Western Hills Church in Fort Worth. Hymns sung by all those attending were: "How Great Thou Art," "Does Jesus Care," and "Amazing Grace." He began his remarks with a tribute to Lavon's parents. Joe Thornton, who played the violin, and taught Lavon guitar and other instruments, and, in addition, passed on to his son his considerable mechanical ability. Reba, his mother, who taught him about faith and spiritual values. He recounted the early years spent in Roswell, N.M. and of the mighty Matador Ranch where he lived and worked with his parents, experiencing first-hand the hard work that ranching entailed. Lavon graduated from Spur High School, and each year, if at all possible, he returned for his class reunion. He married Mildred "Mickey" Lewis when she was 17 years old, and they had two daughters, Bonnie and Betty. After farming for awhile, he and Mickey, like many other rural young people, decided to seek a change, and they moved to Fort Worth.

Then began his career as an engineer for the Missouri & Pacific Railroad. This was his life's work until his retirement, continuing to live in Fort Worth. He was the engineer for the train that brought President Franklin D. Roosevelt to that city, who at the time had a son residing there.

It was mentioned that Lavon was known as "Mr. Fixit" around the church building and also in the neighborhood. He was also a great help with the young people and their church work projects. He was generous with his money, and many times took food to the needy who were too embarrassed to come to the church food pantry. Because of his outgoing personality and love for music, he was always a great favorite with youth, and he and Mickey gave them a warm welcome in their home.

He was a grandfather to six, and a great-grandfather to two. For many years, Mickey's mother, Mrs. Lewis, was cared for in their home. Then they took care of Lavon's mother, Reba Thornton, for a time too.

Lavon became acquainted with a young man at church who was very interested in music. He became Lavon's protege, with Lavon teaching, encouraging, and training in the guitar. He progressed so well, he became a composer, and a professional singer and guitarist, known in the Fort Worth/Dallas area as Buck Reeves. Because of his close friendship with Lavon, he asked the family's permission to play and sing at his funeral. He made personal remarks about his friend and teacher, and sang an original western ballad, "Goodnight Trail, a Lovin' Trail," and also "Til Then."

In the later years of his life, Lavon became a wood carver, and belonged to the Fort Worth Wood Carvers. Being a creative and artistic person with talent, he was good at that too! He spent time at the Heritage Center, Fort Worth, where school children came to watch him carve and talk with him. The fireplace mantel in his home had a display of many of his carvings. One of his pieces was on display at the funeral home. This interesting carving, entitled "Matador Chuck Wagon," had the wagon pulled by four mules and the driver carved of wood, bed rolls on top of the wagon, harness of wood and leather, with a fold-down back on the wagon revealing built-in food drawers and miniature coffee pot and pans. It was very moving for those of us who, in the past, had visited the ranch.

The service was concluded with a season of prayer led by each of the church elders. Burial was in Laurel Land Memorial Park, Fort Worth, Texas.

Among those attending was longtime special friend, Avanell Faubus and family of Spur, Texas and cousins Robert Thornton and wife of Dickens, Texas, Lillian Thornton Kuykendall and daughters, and Irene Brantner Lemley and husband Wilson Norman of Houston, Texas.

Written by Irene Brantner Lemley, First Cousin