Lavern Nightengale
Lavern Nightingale was born to Willie and Mandina Smith Nightingale on July 6, 1926, near Chickasha,Oklahoma. After a brief illness, he peacefully passed from this life on January 31, 2013, at the Glenhaven Retirement Village, Chickasha, Oklahoma, reaching the age of eighty-six years.
Dad attended Valley View and Sandlin Schools in Grady County, Oklahoma, often walking cross-country to school with his sisters. At thirteen years of age, he gave his heart to the Lord. Upon the confession of his faith, he was baptized by Min. Hiram Mininger into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on December 18, 1939. He remained faithful to those vows to the end.
As a young man, Dad went to work for Lloyd Smith during wheat harvest at Halstead, Kansas. Here he learned to know our mother, Ada June Koehn. They were married on April 30, 1950, at Halstead, Kansas, and enjoyed nearly fifty-two years of life together. Two daughters and three sons were born to this union. Mother's passing in 2002 left him lonely, but he was thankful for the care and company his daughters gave in the home. Dad was a dairy farmer by trade. He also enjoyed gardening, planting fruit trees, and the fruit of his labors.
Our parents' compassion caused them to open their home to those in need. Dad loved singing and taught us and others to sing, often helping with Bible School.
Dad loved the Lord, and it showed in his appreciation for the Church and her leadership. He leaves us with an assurance of victory through God's grace.
Those left to cherish fond memories are two daughters, Cheryl and Elaine, of the home; three sons: Galen and wife Linda, DeRidder, Louisianna; Orie and wife, Myrna, Farwell, Texas; and Don and wife, Joanne, DeRidder, Louisiana; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Floyd Nightingale and wife, Betty Lou, Huron, South Dakota; one sister, Thelma and husband, Harold Johnson, Galva, Kansas; and one brother-in-law, Elmer Koehn, Moundridge, Kansas.
His wife, his parents, three sisters, and two brothers-in-law preceded him in death.
The funeral was help at the Plainview Congregation, Chickasha, Oklahoma, on February 3, 2013. Officiating ministers were Robert Schmidt and Johnny Schmidt. The burial was in the Plainview Cemetery nearby the church.
This was taken from the Messenger of Truth Vol 111 No 6 March 2013
