LaVern Pax, 86
Husband, father, and grandfather, LaVern “Vern” Pax, 86, of Pickerington, formerly of St. Marys, Ohio, was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 7, 2022. He was born Nov. 17, 1935 in Celina, Ohio to the late Edmund J. and Frances K. (Meyer) Pax, the 11th of 15 children. On May 6, 1961 he married his beloved wife, Shirley Fischbach and shared 61 wonderful years of marriage with her. She survives at the residence. Vern is also survived by his children: Renee’ (Dana) Metz of Gilbert, Arizona, Dana (Stephen) Farley of Sunbury, Ohio and Eric Pax of Baltimore, Ohio; grandchildren: Kyle Metz, Joshua Metz, Emma Pax, Eddy Pax, Kayla Farley, and Michael Farley; sisters: Bernadette Disque, Florentine Cafferky, Barbara Geiser, Edwina Meyers and Rita Klosterman and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Mary Brunswich, Leonard Pax, Charles Pax, Ruth Leugers, Norma Irvin, Madonna Issen, Richard Pax, Vincent Pax and Juanita Schindler. He graduated from St. Marys Memorial High School in 1953. After a brief career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., he served in the U.S. Army where he was selected and proudly served as a member of the US Army Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Following his military service, he was employed as an agent for Nationwide Insurance in St. Marys for 32 years. Following his retirement, he and Shirley moved to Pickerington where he engaged in the storage and landscaping business with his son. He enjoyed spending his time outdoors and meeting people. Vern’s Christian faith was an essential part of his life. He was an engaged member of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was always ready with a quick joke or story, but above all, he was immensely proud of his family. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and will be dearly missed. Friends may visit from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home, 550 Hill Road N (St. Rt. #256) Pickerington, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Funeral Mass will be 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 600 Hill Road N, with Fr. Leo Connolly, celebrant. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Pataskala. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in his memory.