J.W. (Jay) Lavarnway lived a rich and meaningful life of faith, honor, and
integrity. Jay was deeply committed to his wife, Carolyn, family, friends, and country.
He was always a trustworthy source, instantly friends with everyone he met. He was
born in Massey, Oklahoma on April 19th, 1933, and passed away in Irving, Texas on
April 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

After graduating high school, Jay was drafted into the army and spent two years
in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After leaving the service, he returned to Irving where
he met Carolyn. They started dating in 1956 and got married in 1957. He worked at
Owens Corning for 45 years, retiring in 1996. Before retiring, he began his lawn care
business, taking care of 20 yards as his only employee. In 1968, he became the coach of
his daughters' softball team, which won several state championships. He coached the
girls team until they graduated high school. At the age of 50, he started playing senior
softball. He traveled all over the United States with Carolyn and his softball team,
winning over 20 championship rings, and receiving multiple medals and MVP awards
before retiring from playing ball at age 89.

Jay was always hard at work and could never sit still. He loved hunting and
couldn't wait for deer season to come around. His deer-blind was set up an hour and a
half away in Jacksboro, Texas, and he never liked leaving home, so he usually came
home a day early. He had a type-A personality and enjoyed sweets, especially orange
candy citrus slices, and apple fritters. Neighbors described Jay as the "neighborhood
icon". He might not have known everyone, but everyone knew of him. Jay was known to
be faithful, kind, passionate, innovative, and most importantly, a great son, husband,
father, grandfather, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents Samual and Lessie Lavarnway, and his
brother Gene and sister Pearley. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, with whom they
have 3 daughters: Denise Koger (husband Tim), Debra Fly, and Pam Waters (husband
Wendell). He has 5 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, who all miss him, deeply
and dearly.