Rodney Earl lavender, 71, passed away on Friday, October 27 2023, in Chesterfield, MO.  Rod was born February 18, 1952, the son of Bobby and Evelyn (Parrish) Lavender.   Rod was a middle child and often teased of having the ” Middle Child Syndrome.” But he dearly loved his parents and Siblings.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved Airedale, Darby. Survivors include his brother, Bobby (Lynn) Lavender, and his sister Donna Lavender, Dana (Dennis) McCarthy, Pamela (Vance) Grandzow, and Godson, Kane (Heidi) Teeter, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Rod lived life to the fullest.  He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was the life of the party and could tell a joke like a professional comedian. And he regretted not traveling to New York to become one. He was the first dancer on the dance floor and could he dance!  He was a gifted decorator, hair stylist, auto mechanic, and rehabber.  There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t try.  His love of travel and warm climates had him living on both coasts and by the ocean.  He felt most at home in West Hollywood, California.  He moved back to St. Louis to be with his aging parents and never regretted the time he was able to spend with them.

The food industry was his life’s profession.  Working mainly in fine dining establishments, he became a wealth of information when it came to good food, fine wine, entertaining, and people.

“I Did It My Way” was definitely Rod’s song.  He was strong willed and stubborn at times with a fiery temper.  But he had a heart of gold and clever wit.  And he was a generous and loyal person.  Heaven gained a funny angel and those he left behind will certainly miss those belly laughs.  So rest in love, dear friend.