John Charles LaVanchy

John Charles "Chico" LaVanchy, 72, of Evansville, passed away Monday, July 29, 2024 at his home. He was born March 19, 1952 in Evansville to the late John Leslie and Louise (Rosso) LaVanchy.
Chico graduated from North Posey High School in 1970. He served in the US Army in Germany and was Honorably discharged in 1978. When Chico returned from duty in Germany he worked as a jailer for the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Department and later became a sheriff's deputy. He retired from the sheriff's department as a Sergeant after 26 years of service. After retirement, Chico worked with court security at the Federal Building.
Chico started training in Taekwondo when he was 16. He earned his 9th Degree Black Belt eight years ago and became a Grand Master in 2024. Chico was taught by Great Grand Master Choi. He enjoyed performing martial arts demonstrations in the Tri-State area. Chico taught Taekwondo at his dojang on Sonntag and also at USI. He was a member of St. Peters United Church of Christ in Wadesville.
He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Dottie (Jones) LaVanchy; stepdaughter, Sondra (Greg) Rider; step grandson, Adam Rider; sisters, Jeanne Douthitt, Joyce Smith and Janet (Stephen) Dippel; nieces, Annette (Greg) Goldstein, Kayla Dippel, Jackie (Andrew) Nalin, Ellen Dippel and Lonna Dippel; nephew, Samuel Dippel; three great nieces and two great nephews.
Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 1, 2024 at Ziemer Funeral Home North Chapel, 6300 N. First Ave., Evansville. Funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. Friday, August 2, 2024 at St. Peters United Church of Christ, 10430 Highway 66, Wadesville, IN with Chaplain Tom Verkamp officiating.
Burial will be at St. Peters United Church of Christ Cemetery with military honors by Retired Veterans Memorial Club.
Special thank you to Mary, Jenny and Theonie with Compass Hospice for their kind and compassionate care of Chico.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Retired Veterans Memorial Club, c/o VFW Post 1114, 110 N. Wabash Ave. of the Flags, Evansville, IN 47712.