Lavern S. Riffel, age 95 of Clinton, Missouri passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at Clinton Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Clinton.
Funeral services will be 2:30 P.M., Monday, April 16, 2012 at Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with burial in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton. Family will receive friends one hour before the service on Monday at the chapel. Family suggests contributions to the American Diabetes Association or First Baptist Church Building Fund and may be left at the funeral home. Fond memories may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Lavern was born July 9, 1916 in Clinton, Missouri, the son of Samuel W. and Elizabeth (Simon) Riffel. He was a l933 graduate of Clinton High School. He and Edith owned Riffels Flowers for 35 years before retiring in l978. He was a member of the First Baptist Church for 64 years, Clinton Masonic Lodge No. 548, the York Rite, the Ararat Shrine, both in Kansas City, Golden Valley Shrine Club where he was a member of the Mini Rods, the Order of Eastern Star, the Elks Club, a Kiwanian, and the Rotary Club, all in Clinton. He served on the board of Englewood Cemetery where he was President for 20 years. He also belonged to the Good Neighbor Sam Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Charlene Hull and his siblings, Ida, Rebekah, Sylvia and Orley.

He is survived by his wife, Edith of the home; one daughter, Wanda Lee Riffel Smith and husband Dale of Tempe, Arizona; four grandchildren, Kelly Grimes of Urich, Missouri, Ronnie Hull of Independence, Missouri, Stephanie Smith of Chandler, Arizona and Robert Dale Smith of Flagstaff, Arizona; five great grandchildren, Christian Kimble, Clayton Grimes, Abineau Smith, Lance Smith and Catherine Grimes was well as four great great grandchildren, Shayne and Jack Grimes and Noah and Isaiah Kimble.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton.