Obituary

Mr. Gary Allen Lavender, 83, of Dupont City, formerly of Winifrede Junction and Chesapeake, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, at Charleston Memorial Hospital.

Born on November 16, 1942, Gary was the beloved son of the late Henry “Bus” Lavender and Esther Jarrell Lavender.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Paula Lavender, whom he adored.  She cared for him day and night through his many illnesses; his children, whom he was so proud, Timothy Lavender and Amy Ward (Martin); his cherished grandchildren, Jacob Lavender (Emily), Nate Lavender, Matthew Wazelle and Madison Grounds (Logan); his greatest gifts before he passed were his great grandchildren, Nora Grounds and Archie Lavender who will soon make his appearance; brother and best friend, David Lavender (Patty); nieces, Teresa Walker and Kim Osborne; nephew, Chad Lavender; brother-in-law Gary Walker, along with many loved cousins, great nieces and nephews.

Gary was a graduate of Kanawha Technical High School, Class of 1960, and he attended West Virginia Tech.

He began his career at FMC in South Charleston, as the plant mail carrier and finished as Plant Estimator.  A proud retiree of Mountain State Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Gary was a devoted and trusted employee for thirty-two years.  He was hired as a salesman and advanced through the company to become Vice President of Sales and Labor Relations.

Serving the Lord was of utmost importance in Gary’s life, and he instilled that in his family and those around him. He was a faithful member of the Gateway Christian Church in Marmet since childhood. He served as Sunday school teacher and Elder for many years.

Gary was a member of the Chelyan Masonic Lodge No. 158 for over 50 years.

One of his proudest achievements was being one of the founding coaches of the Chesapeake Vikings Little League football program. He coached for over 15 years where he was a positive influence on the lives of many children. He also started and coached a youth basketball program at Chesapeake Grade School.

For many years on any given Saturday in the fall, you would find him in Morgantown at Mountaineer Field rooting for his beloved Mountaineers.

He also loved to golf with his buddies, trips to the beach at our place, especially with the grandkids, gardening, and making fried green tomatoes and his award-winning chili.

Anyone who knew Gary found out quickly how he loved to joke, pull pranks and tell stories, especially around the campfire.

The celebration of life service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on February 21, 2026, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia St., E., Charleston, WV, with Pastor Richard Ranson conducting the service.

A gathering of family and friends at a reception/visitation will begin one hour prior at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gary’s memory to Gateway Christian Church, 8300 MacCorkle Ave., Marmet, WV 25315 or St Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsal.com.

Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.