Levern Dunavan, 85, of Hiawatha, died January 1, 2019, at the home of his daughter in Hiawatha.

Levern Dean Dunavan was born March 18, 1933 to Ralph and Emma Bulimore Dunavan on the family farm in Washington County, KS. The family moved to Hollenburg, KS in 1937 where he started school. Moving to Brown County in 1944 and living the rest of his life in different areas of the county. During his high school years he worked on farms in the area and did carpentry. He later formed a partnership with Jim Kocher until his retirement. He was a very talented and skilled carpenter helping to build many homes in his community.

Levern was drafted in 1953 and served in the United States Army. He spent 2 years in Germany during Korean War Era. When returning home he served in the Army Reserves until being honorable discharged at the Rank of Sergeant.

He married Claire Marrs on August 30, 1958 in Falls City, NE. They made their home in the Hiawatha area. Claire preceded him in death on July 18, 2004. To this union was born three daughters. Family was very important to him passing on his love for his country and his carpenter skills. The couple opened their home to many foster children.

Levern was a member of Atchison Elks Lodge #647, Homer White American Legion Post #66, The Brown County Veterans Honor Guard, and the Sabetha VFW.

He is survived by his daughters: Sharon (Rickie) Davidson of Cabot, AR: Venita (Wayne) Ruhnke of Hiawatha: and Sandra Perry of Dewey, AZ. Grandchildren: Damon (Stephanie) Dunavan; Cassandra Bailey, Matthew (Crystal) Arnold; Angela Entrikin; Rachael Arnold; Marissa Ruhnke; Caleb (Juana) Ruhnke; Greg (Melody) Davidson, Emily (Jerimah) Cummings, Jacob (Kristi) Perry, Samantha ( Austin) Perry; and Austin Perry and 30 great grandchildren. Brother brother-in-law John Green; Ron (Karey) Marrs; sister-in-law Rita Dunavan and Sharon (Roy) Hurd along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Clarence and Annie Marrs, brothers: Lee, Ralph and George Dunavan; sister Leola Green, twin sisters who died soon after birth: Irene and Ilene Dunavan,, a great grandson Riley Entrikin, brother-in-law Buck Marrs and sister-in-law Joyce Smith.

Honorary Escorts will be all of Levern’s Grandsons and Great Grandsons. Memorial services will be Friday, January 4, 2018 at the First Baptist Church at 2 PM with military honors courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be prior to the service at 1PM. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at the Rusco Cemetery in Washington County, KS.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial made to the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard or the Homer White American Legion Post #66, sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com