Bobby Elwin Lavender Jr.

Bobby Lavender Jr., age 66, of Marion, formerly of Delaware, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at his home. Born on August 16, 1957, in Delaware, Bobby was the son of the late Bobby E. and Ida (Reed) Lavender.
Bobby was a graduate of Buckeye Valley High School and the Reynoldsburg Police Academy. A dedicated, lifelong emergency services servant, he served in Delaware county in numerous capacities. As a junior in high school, he joined the Elm Valley Joint Fire Department, where he dedicated over 45 years of service as a Captain, Fire Inspector and HazMat officer. Bobby also served many years as the Commander of the Delaware County Fire/EMS Honor Guard. He was a member of the Ashley Village Police Department from 1981-1994 and was in the role of Police Chief for 3 of those years. He spent several years as a 9-1-1 dispatcher and was an instructor for the DACC Adult Fire Education program. In 2000, Bobby became the Emergency Operations Manager for the Delaware County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management where he retired in 2019.
Although he lived a life dedicated to public service, he also enjoyed bowling, playing games such as UNO, spending time with family and playing video games. He was especially devoted to his daughters and grandchildren, whom he adored. Simply put, Bobby was a great man and a hero to his family and community. He will be remembered for his big heart and dedication to all his endeavors.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter Jessica Lavender, granddaughter Britney (Sweet-P) Lavender, daughter Mandy Knight, grandchildren Tyler and Abbey Knight, his best friend, JeanAnne Hess, and his #2 mom, Gloria Jean Piatt. Also surviving are his four brothers and one sister; Bruce, Bill, Brent, Connie, and Bryon.
Funeral services and calling hours will be held at the Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Dr. at W. William St. Delaware, OH. Calling hours will be Monday May 6th, from 5pm-8pm. Funeral services will follow on Tuesday May 7th, doors opening at Noon, services starting at 1:00pm. Celebrant Thomas Dea'Therage will be officiating in conjunction with honors provided by the Delaware County Fire/EMS Honor Guard. Following services, burial will take place at Radnor Cemetery, near his parents. After the services conclude Tuesday, family and friends are welcome to join together for refreshments at Elm Valley Joint Fire Department, 9821 US-42, Ashley OH.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks for donations to be made to the Snyder Rodman Funeral Home to assist the family with final expenses. Condolences may be expressed at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bobby, please visit our floral store.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Bobby Elwin Lavender, Jr., please visit the
Tribute Fund.