Rev. Garland Lavender

Rev. Garland T. Lavender, born May 23, 1905 to C.W. and Carrie Lavender in Brandon, Texas; went home to be with his Lord & Savior August 26, 2006. Rev. Lavender was 101 years of age. A beloved pastor, Rev. Lavender received his B.A at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas and his B. D. at Perkins School of Theology, SMU, Dallas. He proudly marched with the SMU Mustang Band in the 1936 Rose Bowl. Rev. Lavender was a U.S. Army chaplain in World War II serving for 33 months in North Africa and Italy. He was an ordained United Methodist Minister for 75 years. Rev. Lavender served as an associate pastor of Springdale United Methodist Church from 1958 to 1962. Marcelyn and Cecil Brown was the first couple married by Rev. Lavender. As his sister, Marcelyn states: ?he must have tied that knot really well since it lasted 67 years.? Cecil preceded Marcelyn in death several years ago. He spent 43 years in active ministry holding appointments in the Central Texas Conference, and retiring from the North Texas Conference in 1974. After retirement, he was the Minister of Visitation at Tyler Street UMC for over 20 years. Retirement years included active membership in the Dal-Cliff Lions Club and gardening at his home in Granbury. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Grace Gibson Lavender, in 1974; and Eula Lougenia Hill Lavender of Dallas. Survivors include a son, Jim Lavender and wife, Melanie, of Arlington; daughter, Nancy Guerry and husband, Bill, of Arlington; sister, Marcelyn Brown of Springdale, Arkansas; grandchildren, Scott and Laura Lavender; Melissa Gee; Mark and Blaine Guerry; seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ilene Poodle Neil; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to your local church.