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John LeFevre Obituary
Dick was a beloved son, friend and brother who embraced life and carried a compassion for humankind with an uncanny ability to make people laugh.
Dick was born May 25, 1951, in Nashville, Tenn. His family moved to Carbondale as Dick reached preschool age. He was a starting member of the Terrier football team's 1968-69 perfect 10-0 season and accepted an athletic scholarship to Michigan State University, where he played football until injured.
He returned to Carbondale and completed his undergraduate degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in physiology. He entered Kansas City School of Osteopathic Medicine, where he received his medical degree then served as a doctor and lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Dick's medical career took him to Topeka, Kan., and central parts of Michigan before coming to Gainesville and assisting in the care of his parents.
By his early teens, Dick was an accomplished coin, stamp and comic book collector, athlete, chess player, chemist and talented sketch artist. At 13, he was offered an art scholarship while attending American Community School in Saigon, Vietnam, but turned it down to ultimately become a doctor. Dick was a history buff with precise recall of dates, times, places, events, activities and people as well as military actions. And he had an encyclopedic knowledge of medicine and medical facts. His love of humor, enjoyment of earlier comic actors and his own personal delivery of comedic acts will be sorely missed.
Dick is survived by his mother and father, Hazel LaVerne (Redus) and John Richard (Dick) LeFevre Sr. of Gainesville, Fla. (formerly of Carbondale); his sisters, Dr. Suzanne Elaine LeFevre of New Orleans, and Linda LeFevre Stephens of Gainesville, Fla., and Southern Illinois; a nephew, Christopher James Stephens and his wife, Holly Ann (Witcher) Stephens, of Durham, N.C.; his great-niece, Abigail Claire Stephens of Durham, N.C.; and many, many endearing friends.
Williams-Thomas Funeral Home, 404 N. Main St. in Gainesville, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Carbondale Community High School Athletic Association in memory of Dick LeFevre.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John LeFevre
Thomas LeFevre
May 29, 2010
Dear Hazel, Linda and Suzanne,
We (Elkhart, IN cousins Thomas LeFevre and Kate (LeFevre) Rider) were grieved to learn of young Dick's untimely passing. Not having seen him since we were all quite young, we were gladdened to learn of his many achievements and good human qualities (as Linda shared in his obituary.)
Our condolences and prayers that your family will find peace during this time of loss.
Tom and Kate
Patrick Mitchell
May 15, 2010
Mr. and Mrs LeFevre,Susan and Linda please accept my deepest condolences. I attended Medical School with Dick,and through those very tiring years He was always able to bring our group up with his comedic nature. Dick was always one of the most focused individuals in class. Dick had a great understanding of medical concepts and on several occasions helped me by sharing his knowledge. With deepest sympathy,E. P. Mitchell DO
Bruce Ashby
May 4, 2010
Please accept my condolences.
I have known Dick since we were
both attending Winkler grade school
in Carbondale, Illinois. Although Dick
was a year older than myself that never
occurred to either of us. My experiences with him
have always been positive. However, we were never close. Yet I enjoyed Dick's company and regret that we couldn't have more shared experiences over time.
Dick and I were both teammates on the 1968 CCHS Terrier Football team. When Dick returned for the team reunion in October of 2008 I took him to lunch at Mississippi Flyway restaurant. This is something
that I did spontaneously and I enjoyed at the time.
Now with Dick's passing I am grateful that I had the opportunity to spend time with him. Dick was great fun to be
around and I enjoyed his company greatly.
Please accept my sympathies during this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Bruce Ashby.
Bruce Fohr
May 4, 2010
To the entire LeFerve family,
Please know that you have my sympathy, as well as thoughts and prayers that you will be comforted and your sadness lessened by knowing that Dick is now at peace and truly "in a better place." You should know also that he is well-remembered and you are all in the hearts of many of his old friends.
Many of us who knew Dick well, know how incredibly supportive you all were of him. He was truly blessed to have had such a loving and generous family.
I know how difficult it is for parents to lose a son-- as my parents did, when my brother, John, died many years ago. Dick is now the second member of my wedding party to have passed on. We shared many, many times together--a lot of great memories as well as some tough times, too. He was a brilliant guy, who I know would loved to be remembered as a good friend, with wonderful sense of humor and always enjoyed a good laugh-- as we did for the last time at our 40th High School reunion last September.
May God bless and sustain the family through this time of loss; and may all who knew him, remember him with a smile-- the way he would want it.
Gordon Helm
May 4, 2010
Mr. and Mrs. LeFevre, Suzanne, and Linda:
I am deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. I will always remember his warm demeanor and friendliness. He always made me feel welcome in his presence.
I pray that somehow all of you will be able to gain comfort by celebrating John's life.
Gabriel Coch
May 3, 2010
Dear Coach LeFevre, Mrs LeFevre, Linda and Suzanne.
I am very sorry to hear about your son and brother. I remember playing frisbee with him and tossing the football the few times he came to watch us play when we played somewhere in Kansas and he could make it. I also remember riding with Coach and how he'd talk about his son with such pride.
Many years after having left SIU, I still consider Coach LeFevre one of the finest people I've ever met - much more than a mentor to me. I am very saddened about your loss and pray that you can find comfort.
May 3, 2010
Suzanne, I just saw this about your brother. I am so sorry for your loss and your family's loss. I worked for a brief time in the Athletics Office at SIU many years ago, and your dad was always so kind; I hope he is doing well. Prayers to you -- take care. Cathy Croquer Biggs
Helen
May 3, 2010
I knew him as John. I was very saddened to hear of his passing.
Marilyn Davis-Rickard
May 2, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dick's family.The article described him so well. CCHS was so many years ago yet I still remember Dick's friendly personality.
God Bless you and yours-
Dave R
May 2, 2010
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
May 1, 2010
I was shocked and sad to hear that Dick passed away. His obituary described him perfectly.
I, along with every member of my family, cared very much about Dick.
My heart goes out to Dr. & Mrs. LeFevre, Linda, and Suzanne. Losing a son and brother is so difficult. Having lost my sister, I especially feel your pain. I would like to think Diane was among those welcoming Dick to Heaven.
I have always had such high regard for each member of your family, not only because of the time I spent with you, but because it was clear how much Dick loved, respected, and cared for each of you.
I pray that God will comfort each of you, and that in time you will find the peace that only comes from Him.
Near the end of my sister Diane's life, I recall her saying that when it was over, she hoped people would simply say "I'm glad I knew her". I can easily say, "I'm glad I knew Dick LeFevre".
Cindy Neill Belmont
John Wham
May 1, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Lefevre family. Dick was one of my oldest and closest friends and I had just spoken with him days before. I will miss his unexpected phone calls and all the laughter he brought me. I know your in a better place my brother. Peace be with you. John Wham Tucson, Az.
Barbara Gillespie
May 1, 2010
Dick was a few years behind me in High School. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Terry Etherton
May 1, 2010
I am so saddend by the news of Dick's passing. I feel very lucky to have spent some quality time with him at our 40th reunion last fall. He and Bob Caraway drove to St. Louis to pick up John Wham and me and drive us to Carbondale. That trip was memorable with Dick entertaining us with his wild stories and medical advice. He and Caraway had a wild story about getting mugged at Italian Village. Dick allegegly saved Caraway from getting killed. Who knows if this story was true? It did not matter. What mattered was the Dick took the time to pick us up in St. Louis and entertain us all the way to Carbondale. I really wish I had a tape recorder in the car. He was eloquent, witty, funny and just a bit strange. He was what he was. I miss you, brother. I hope you are in a better place now. Thank you for your unconditional friendship and love. Only now do I really understand how much I took that for granted. Much love the the LeFevre family. I know how much they are hurting. Know that Dick had many, many good friends and will live on forever in our memories. Dick was truly an original with a huge heart. Rest in peace,my friend. Terry Etherton, Tucson, Arizona
Eric Beyler
April 30, 2010
The untimely loss of our friend Dick saddens us. We are all diminished by the loss. However, Dick greatly increased our joy while he was with us. The twinkle in his eye as he engaged us all in his stories and antics was irresistible. He was a friend to all. We miss you, Brother.
Mike Vanhorn
April 30, 2010
My deepest sorrow and sympathy goes out to the Dick Lfevere family....We will all miss him....talked to him on the phone and he still called me TAG and was trying to get me to reunion
Butch Davis
April 30, 2010
We'll miss you, Dick. You were a great guy with a great heart. Be at peace, Brother.
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