Ronald E. Lavell / April 11, 1957-May 25, 2011

Published 11:15 pm Thursday, May 26, 2011

Ron Lavell, 54, passed away peacefully in his Cassopolis home Wednesday, May 25, 2011, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 11, 1957, and raised in Dowagiac. He graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1975 and joined the National Guard.

Ron married the love of his life, Cindy Abiney, on Oct. 2, 1982.

Together they had two daughters, Megan and Jessica.

Always an avid outdoorsman, Ron enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.

He enjoyed spending time outside with his friends and family, and he had a deep appreciation for nature.

He was the service manager and part owner of Pat Abiney Chrysler for more than 20 years before purchasing Dowagiac Auto Service in November 2007.

Ron is survived by: his wife Cindy; daughters, Megan (Alan) Klein and Jessica (Mark) Pelfrey; sisters, Vickie Moon and Sheryl Black; father, Jim Pease; parents-in-law, Pat and Doris Abiney; brothers-in-law, Keith (Alisa) Abiney and Kevin (Angie) Abiney; and nieces and nephews.

Ron is preceded in death by his mother, Lila Pease.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 27, at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where his funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 28 with a dinner immediately following at Calvary Bible Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Ron may be made to the youth scholarship program of Dowagiac Conservation Club.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Ron at www.yazel-clark.com <http://www.yazel-clark.com>.