Laverne Bland, 81, of Edgerton, MO, formerly of Centralia passed away Friday, November 22, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO. He was born on December 18, 1942, the son of Vernon and Ester (Haney) Bland in Centralia, IL. He married the love of his life, Kay Scarbrough on a beautiful snowy day at Barr Christian Church in rural Odin, on February 10, 1963, and she survives him.
Along with his wife, Kay Bland, Laverne was survived by his children, Patricia (John) Elliot, Lavern Bland II (Dawnda Conrad); grandchildren, Johnathan (Harley), Hunter, Brianna, Alexis, Kayla; 5 great-grandchildren; siblings, Deloras Sellers, Diana Lawson, and Jim Bland; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Laverne was preceded in death by his father, Vernon Bland; mother, Ester (Cletis) Bland; daughter, Christina Bland; brother-in-law, Glenn Earl Scarbrough; and his in-laws, Glenn and Velma Scarbrough.
Laverne was proud to be part of the Class of 1962 at Centralia High School. He served his country with honor for 4 years, in the United States Air Force, where he completed his high school diploma. Laverne was able to live out every little boy’s dream by working for Burlington Northern and Illinois Central railways, retiring after over 40 years of loyal dedication to his job. He was active in the community and a member of the Centralia Masonic Lodge #201. Laverne enjoyed gardening, growing beautiful strawberries and blackberries. He was an animal lover and took good care of the chickens he raised. Everyone knew where to come for the best-tasting, fresh eggs and berries that Laverne sold. He had a creative side and an appreciation for painting, creating many works of art with his paint-by-number portraits. Laverne appreciated getting to be a Grandpa and his grandchildren have many great memories of time spent with their Grandpa. Laverne was a dedicated family man, worked hard to provide for them, was always willing to lend a helping hand, and dearly loved them.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 29, 2024, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Brother Claude Howell officiating. Interment will follow at Deadmond Cemetery in rural Sandoval where Military rites will be accorded by the Centralia VFW Post 2055 American Legion Post 446. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Laverne’s honor to the Family’s Wishes. Online condolences and memories of Laverne may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com. Irvin Macz Funeral Home is privileged to be assisting the family of Laverne Bland with arrangements.
