LaVerl Duwayne Lankford (94) of Mattoon, formerly of Effingham

LaVerl Duwayne Lankford, age 94, of Mattoon, formerly of Effingham passed away peacefully, on Saturday, February 15, 2025 in Mattoon.

A Celebration for Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.

LaVerl was born on May 5, 1930 in Watson, Illinois, the son of Owen and Ena (Loy) Lankford. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War, and on August 4, 1956, he married the love of his life, Margie Walker. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. LaVerl was a beloved husband, devoted father, and cherished member of the community and was known for his kindness, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to his family. He spent his career as a Front End Alignment Mechanic at Webb’s Auto Body until his retirement. But beyond his work, he was an artist in every sense of the word. He began playing music in public at just 15 years old and continued throughout his life, mastering multiple instruments. He will be most fondly remembered for his time playing with Benny and the Amigos. At the age of 65, he discovered a passion for painting and drawing, creating artwork that reflected the beauty he saw in the world around him. LaVerl was a man of many passions—reading, gardening, fishing, hunting, and listening to music—but more than anything, he cherished time spent with his loved ones. He had a kind soul and a listening ear for all who knew him. He wasn’t just someone who worked with his hands; he put his heart into everything he did, whether it was painting a serene landscape, strumming a familiar tune, or simply being there for those he loved. His legacy lives on—in the stories we tell, the music that still plays, the strokes of a paintbrush, and the lessons he shared about living with passion, patience, and purpose. LaVerl showed us how to appreciate the simple joys in life, and his memory will forever be a source of love and inspiration.

He is survived by his wife, Margie Lankford of Mattoon; son, Johnny Lankford (Julie) of Sauk City, Wisconsin; daughter, Angela James (Richard) of Effingham; brother, Jerry Lankford (Vernabelle) of Effingham; sister, LoElla Baker (Curt) of Effingham ; 3 grandchildren, Monica Henkelman (Joe) of Effingham, Landon Miller (Megan ) of Mason, Ohio, and Lauren Pearson (Makale) of Vandalia ; 7 great-grandchildren, and 4 great great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Ena Lankford; brother Franklin “Dee” Lankford, Noah “Lonnie” Lankford, Fred Lankford; sisters, Pat Brown and Kathy Lankford Huelsing.