Dr. William C. Lavery, age 88, of Paducah, Kentucky, formerly of Rock Island, Illinois passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022 at Mercy Health-Lourdes Hospital.
Dr. Lavery was born in Davenport, Iowa on July 21, 1934 to the late William and Aletha Lavery. He graduated from Regis University in Denver, Colorado with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and was a member of the Rangers basketball team. He then went on to complete Dental School at Marquette University. He started his dental practice in Madison, Wisconsin and then moved to Rock Island, Illinois where he opened up his second dental practice. He ended his dental career in Rantoul, Illinois.
His passions included golf, antiquing, reading, history and politics, watching old classic movies, playing checkers, and crossword puzzles. He was an avid sports enthusiast – a lifelong Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and Notre Dame fan. He loved watching the four major golf tournaments and March Madness. He was a lover of coffee and donuts. He was fervent about his Catholic faith, was his children’s biggest fan, and never ended a conversation with any of his children without saying “I love you.”
Some of his most cherished memories were with his children and grandchildren on Bayles Lake, which included running, walking, playing family baseball games in the backyard, fishing, grilling, and cruising around in the pontoon boat.
Dr. Lavery will be remembered professionally for the quality of his work and the compassion he showed his patients. Personally he will be remembered as someone who liked to tease, had a big heart, was a dapper dresser, his smart and quick wit, but most of all had a fierce love for his children and grandchildren.
Dr. Lavery is survived by four daughters, Kara Johnston (Brian) of Paducah, Kelly Anne Lavery-Maurer of Scottsdale, Arizona, Katy Mitchell of Phoenix, Arizona and Kasey Rodriguez (Justin) of Scottsdale, Arizona; one son, Bill Lavery (Amy) of Rockford, Illinois; one sister, Maggie Caviezel (Jim) of Broadlands, Virginia; one brother, Mike Lavery (Nancy) of Moline, Illinois; and eight grandchildren, Brian Johnston, Billy Johnston, Johnny Maurer, Makenzie Mitchell, Noelle Lavery, Will Lavery, Mady Rodriguez and Kylie Rodriguez.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mary Kate Micklewright.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 30, 2022 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with Rev. Brad Whistle officiating.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the 11:00 am funeral mass time on Friday, December 30, 2022 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donation to: St. Mary School System, 1243 Elmdale Road, Paducah, KY 42003
You may leave a message for the family or light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.
During this difficult time, you may show your support by joining the “Hugs from Home” program, where your message will be attached to a balloon in the chapel to remind the family of your love and support. Please go to www.milnerandorr.com to send a hug.
You can send a message to the family and light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.