LaVern L. Hovarter, 77, LaPaz, passed away at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 20, 2016 at his home. He was born on Oct. 29, 1938, Helmer, to the late Russell E. and Helen B. (Snyder) Hovarter. On Sept. 6, 1958, in St. Joseph County, he married Elzie (McIntosh) Hovarter who preceded in death on June 6, 1969. On May 23, 1970, in North Liberty, he was united in marriage to Trudie G. (Shanafelt-Anderson) Hovarter.

Mr. Hovarter is survived by his wife: Trudie G. Hovarter; two daughters: Tammy (Noel) Williams, LaPaz; and Tabitha Young, Plymouth; son: Jeff (Tracy) Hovarter, Battle Creek, Mich.; daughter-in-law: Pam Hovarter, Knox; seven grandchildren: Jeremy Williams; Ryan (Jill) Hovarter; Sara (Brad) Lechlitner; Nick Young; Ashley Young; Emma Hovarter; and Ben Hovarter; five great-grandchildren; sister: Carolyn Grzesiak, Osceola; and brother: Ronald Hovarter, Fishersville, Va. He was preceded in death by a son: Todd Russell Hovarter on Jan. 1, 2013.

Mr. Hovarter was a lifelong resident of Lakeville and LaPaz. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Mr. Hovarter worked at Studebaker Corporation, Reliable Dairy and retired as a truck driver for Ruan Transport. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Plymouth, American Legion Post 363 in Lakeville and Loyal Order of the Moose #741 in Plymouth. He was also a member of the Lakeville Conservation Club and the Teamster’s Union.

Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at Palmer Funeral Home, Lakeville, and one hour prior to the services on Monday, May 23. Due to the town construction on Michigan Street, please enter through the side street to the back of the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 23, 2016 at Palmer Funeral Home. Military graveside services will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.

Contributions in memory of LaVern L. Hovarter may be offered to Miller’s Vets, South Bend, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tenn. or Humane Society, Mishawaka.