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William Lavender Obituary

WILLIAM D. LAVENDER 12/23/1921-10/17/2011 Born in Alabama to Dr. Claud Lavender and Maggie Mae Neel, he served in the Air Force during World War II, in India and China, then earned a Master's at USC's School of Music. During his career as composer/sound-effects editor with Air Force Audio-Visual Services, and also in retirement, he wrote two often-performed children's musical plays, six novels, including best-seller Chinaberry, and Young Adult titles Just Jane (2002) and Aftershocks (2006). He had a new novel under way at the time of his passing. Bill was a life-long student of history and an avid birdwatcher. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Madeleine, Bridget and Spencer, his children Debra and her husband Mark, Larry and his wife Beth, and Randall, as well as his wife of 62+ years, Mary, who survives him. There are no services.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Press-Enterprise on Oct. 20, 2011.

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Rich Hernandez

October 21, 2011

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

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