Lavern C. Wall, 89, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, IN, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on September 19, 1934, in Creal Springs, Illinois, the son of Eugene and Florance (Graves) Wall.
Lavern worked in maintenance at Wabash School District 348 until his retirement. He enjoyed NBA basketball and was an avid coon hunter. His greatest love was music. He was widely known for his steel guitar talent. He played in various local groups with his brother, George, for many years. Lavern went on to become an opening act for Porter Waggoner and Dolly Parton, which opened the way for him to share the stage alongside country artists such as Donna Fargo, Hank Williams Jr., and the late great Les Paul to name a few. After country music, Lavern became a member of a local gospel quartet by the name of “The Pilgrim Travelers”, until retiring from music and only playing bass and steel guitar in his beloved church. Lavern was a very kind man who loved his family dearly and his presence on this earth will be missed.
Lavern leaves behind his sons, Randy Wall, John (Cheryl) Wall, Graig Wall, Joe (Ellen) Wall; daughter Kim Christie; son-in-law Bob Perry; twenty grandchildren; and many loved great-grandchildren.
Lavern was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Brenda Wall; daughter, Linda Perry; brothers, George Wall, Cletus Wall and Otis Wall; sister, Kathryn Banks; extended family, Ralph and Cathy Whitehouse.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Brother Bill Reed and Curt Rush officiating. Burial will follow at Friendsville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Lavern’s memory to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or may be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 N Cherry St. Mt. Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Lavern’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Wall family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
