Rev. Lavon C. Holder

Rev. Lavon C. Holder, 85, of Avella, died at 6:32 p.m., Friday, March 30, 2007, in Washington Hospital. He had been in declining health. He was born September 11, 1921, in Bradford, Arkansas, a son of Andrew D. and Cornetia E. Scoggin Holder. On July 21, 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, receiving the rank of Seaman First Class and was honorably discharged February 26, 1946. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, July 18, 1946, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Technician Fifth Grade on January 20, 1948. He was employed by Sears, as a fence installer, for 42 years. Rev. Holder was a member of Friendship Community Church. He enjoyed studying the Bible and formerly had Elm Road Mission. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. On July 15, 1980, he married Emily Cole Holder, who survives. Also surviving are three sons, Grady Holder and Dennis Holder, both of California, Lavon C. Holder, Jr., of Arkansas; a step son, Joe DeClair, of Washington; several grandchildren, two step grandchildren, Natalie DeClair and Troy DeClair; and several great grandchildren. Deceased are a daughter, Louise Holder, who died at 17 months of age; four brothers, Oafher, Pharis, Nolan and George Holder. Friends will be received 1 to 9 p.m., Monday, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 3, 2007, with Pastor Rick Bruckner officiating. Interment will follow in West Middletown Cemetery.