Richard LaVanway

Richard G. LaVanway, 67 of East Jordan, died Dec. 7, 2015 peacefully at home after battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was born on Nov. 15, 1948 in Charlevoix, the son of Elgin and Mae (Kenney) LaVanway. He worked for many years for Smith Excavating and later for Northland Septic. In 1985, he became owner of Jordan Valley Concrete and Northland Septic. He sold Jordan Valley Concrete to Manthei Development Corp. and formed Northland Septic Tanks & Excavating in 1999. In 2001, he followed his other interests and also became owner of Jordan Valley Polled Herefords. Rich was a member of the East Jordan Snowmobile Club and a dedicated volunteer to the Jordan Valley District Library. He is survived by wife; Dawn, his children; Kevin (Holly) LaVanway of East Jordan, Kristen (Scott) Rhodes of Middleburg, FL, Kourtney (Adam) Greenman of East Jordan, grandchildren Kevin Jr. Kara, Ryan LaVanway, Brandon and Breanna Rhodes, Myles and Nathan Greenman, sister Shirley (Lyle) Etcher of Grandville, brothers Virgil (Sharon) LaVanway of East Jordan, Robert (Jan) LaVanway of Boyne City, and Randy (Laurie) LaVanway of Central Lake. He was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Sue, three brothers Dennis, Donald, and Dale, and his parents. Visitation will take place Fri. Dec. 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Funeral services will be held Sat. Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. at the Lighthouse Missionary Church in East Jordan with Pastor Jim Jordan officiating. The family will also receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment will take place in Dunsmore Cemetery, Echo Township. Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.