Ronald Lavely

Ronald Lavely, 69, of Greencastle, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018, at his residence.

Ronald was born in Indianapolis on Sept. 20, 1948, and was a graduate of Tech High School.

Mr. Lavely served in the United States Army as a paratrooper and infantryman. He served with the 4th Infantry Division and was a sergeant on his second tour with Company A 3rd Infantry (Airborne) 503rd Infantry with the 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade. He was very proud of his service as he met the brothers he longed for. He received two Purple Hearts and the Medal of Valor, amongst other honors.

He returned to work at the Indianapolis Star News, and the United States Post Office in Bloomington where he gained more brothers.

His proudest moments of life was his service to his country, his love for the outdoors, and love of his only child, Megan Elizabeth Lavely.

He is survived by daughter, Megan Lavely.

Megan's boyfriend, who he considered his friend and son, Mark Sillery. Mark's three children, Cody, Luke and Hallee Sillery.

Those who called him Uncle Ron: Staci Stamper, Graci Russ, Matthew Dean, Mike Russ, Mackenzie Anders.

Longtime support group: Cathy 'Dean-Lavely' Siebrase, Mike Carmin, Richard Thompson, Max Myers, Steve Welty, Robert Estes, James Nagel, Nicholas Heesey, pen-pal from Vietnam Susan Melbar Thomas, Eric and Judi Birt, Steve and Sandy Dean, Carolyn and Michael Russ, importantly his three favorite doctors, Dr. Beth, Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Gray.

Many more survivors from the Vietnam War and the Post Office. He held them all close to his heart. He was preceded in death by his brothers in Vietnam.

To live is to die - to die is to live again.

Services will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home, Greencastle, with Pastors Donny Watson and Brian Langdoc officiating. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until time of service Thursday.

Burial will take place in Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison on Friday, Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. The procession will be leaving Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home at 9 a.m. Indiana Patriot Guard Riders will join in on the course from Greencastle to Madison.

Memories may be shared with the family at www.Hopkins-Rector.com.