Obituary of Rick Lee Lavender

Mr. Rick L. Lavender, 68, of Mobile, AL passed away suddenly on January 29th, 2024 at his home.

He was born on October 20, 1955 in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Donald and Audrey (Taylor) Lavender.  Rick graduated from Galesburg Senior High School, where he pitched for the high school baseball team.  He attended Knox College in Galesburg, joining and living in the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. After attending Knox College, Rick moved with some friends to Pensacola, FL where he remained for many years and started his family.  He was employed for over 32 years at CPSI, an IT Services & Consulting firm headquartered in Mobile, AL  and decided to relocate there to avoid the long commute.  He continued to work at CPSI until his passing.  

Rick is survived by one son, Jarrod Lavender of Pensacola, and Jarrod's mother Barbara.  Rick is also survived by 3 sisters, Lori (Sam) Ester of Alexis, IL, Lisa (Chuck) Bankes of Galesburg, IL and Lynn Lavender of Chicago, IL.  Also surviving are 3 nieces and 6 great nieces and nephews and many cousins. Rick is preceded in death by his parents.
 

During his time at CPSI, he was an Interface Application Developer, a team manager and most recently a Clinical Applications Developer.  Earlier in his career at CPSI, he spent time traveling to many of their hospital clients around the country but had not traveled in recent years.  His co-workers described him as a great team player who will be missed by all.   He always chuckled when he spoke with his family about the funny banter in the office and missed the chatter he would hear there since he began working from home due to COVID.  

 

Rick grew up playing sports where his entire family would watch him pitch on the baseball diamond.  He was a good golfer and bowler and had passed along his love of bowling to Jarrod. Rick spent many years building and maintaining elaborate salt water aquariums and enjoyed learning about the inhabitants of these homes.  He also developed a passion for glass blowing and leaves behind treasured pieces that he had gifted to his family. Rick taught himself how to play the acoutsic guitar and enjoyed playing for himself and on rare occasion, a family member.  Since 2020, Rick joined weekly Zoom calls with his family and while they became monthly connections since last summer, he enjoyed keeping in contact and particularly loved hearing updates about the great nieces and nephews and sharing stories of Jarrod’s excellent bowling.  

 

Rick was a quiet and private person.  In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral services.   Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. 

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