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- Obituary
Willis Norman LeVan, formerly of Sanborn, New York passed away in the early morning hours of December 1st, 2022 in Huntsville, Alabama. Born on 8/23/26, Willis lived to be a remarkable 96 years old. He was the oldest child of Norman and Helen LeVan of Lockport, NY.
Willis married his beloved wife Margaret Connell on 6/24/50, and they had two children, Linda LeVan of Freeville, NY and Richard LeVan
of Huntsville, AL. Willis was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Helen, his younger sisters Norma Jean Munch and Marjorie L. Napier, and his wife Margaret.
Willis earned a living as the owner of the LeVan Hardware Store, a staple of the Sanborn community that his grandfather R.T. LeVan first started in 1910. His family cherished hearing stories of his life around the business, and are most proud of the day he jumped to the aid of George P. Pfiefer after he suffered a critical injury in the adjoining butcher shop. Willis received the Certificate of Merit from President
Richard Nixon and issued by the Red Cross for saving Mr. Peifer’s life. Willis had a love for helping people and spoke fondly of his time spent volunteering for the Tri-Community Ambulance Service in Sanborn. He was known to regale his grandchildren with tales of the babies he had helped to deliver; undoubtedly one of many memories that have brought a dose of humor and comfort as the family
remembers him. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hobbies like hunting, canoeing, and gun collecting. His interest in the Civil War sparked bookshelves brimming with collected artifacts and novels on the subject.
After retirement, he and Margaret settled in Bradenton, Florida, and were blessed to enjoy extensive travels together. Willis was able to visit much of Canada and several notable spots in Europe, but he spoke of his travels out West with the most adoration. Willis loved God, thrived on gospel music, and read the Bible cover to cover once a year until he lost his vision. His family will remember him most for his spirit of kindness and devotion; he was devoted to the Lord, devoted to his family, and devoted to his precious wife Margaret. They are comforted knowing he is finally reunited with her.
Willis LeVan is survived by his daughter Linda LeVan, son Richard LeVan (Vicki), granddaughters, Jennifer
LeVan Chartier (Scott), Melissa LeVan Brock (Drew), Thena Lindhorst (Erich), and five great-grandchildren, Olivia Chartier, Audrey Chartier, Owen Chartier, Emma Brock, and Evan Brock.
Interment will be at Hayden Cemetery in New Hope, AL at a future date. In honor of the community he loved to serve, the family kindly asks that memorial donations be given to the Sanborn Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 172, Sanborn, NY 14132 in lieu of flowers.
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1926 - 2022 (96 years)