J. Laverne Kingsley

WELLSBURG NY - J. Laverne Kingsley, Age 79 of East Smithfield passed away October 21, 2010 at the Robert Packer Hospital after rebounding many times during declining health. Laverne was born September 17, 1931 in Smithfield Township son of the late O.J. (Jerome) and Margaret (Keeler) Kingsley. His mother preceded him in death when he was of a very young age. Afterwards Jerome married Evelyn Dodge who assisted with the raising of Laverne and his siblings. He was the husband of the late Joyce (Smith) Kingsley who preceded him in death on October 8, 1996. Laverne was a farmer by trade while also supporting his livelihood in earlier years hauling milk at which time was shipped in milk cans, often talking of his milk hauling memories. In later years he trucked logs and operated a school bus route all of which were full of memorable times. After retiring from farming he and Joyce acquired a great interest in Polka Music and attending many Polka Festivals. Over the years there have been many childhood stories told along with lots of memories involving his livelihood and personal enjoyments in life which included family and numerous friends. In later years he was very well known for his firewood business and his great determination to not let health conditions stop him from continuing on. Laverne is survived by his children Nancy Russell of North Chemung, NY, sons, Merle (Gertrude) Kingsley and Martin (Jacqueline) Kingsley all of East Smithfield, Norma (Tim) Leonard of Berrytown as well as nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, siblings, Laurence Kingsley, Louis (Doris) Kingsley all of East Smithfield, Richard (Rosalie) Kingsley of Springfield, along with step-siblings, Lois (Tom) Elvidge, Linda Hardenstine, Layton (Elizabeth) Kingsley all of East Smithfield, and special friend, Alice Davis of Burlington. In addition to his parents Laverne was preceded in death by a twin brother, John Howard Kingsley on September 17, 1931, sister-in-law, Harriet Howard and brother-in-law, John Hardenstine, Jr. Funeral services will be private and are under the direction of the Roberts Funeral Home, Inc. 279 Main Street, Wellsburg, NY. Laverne will be laid to rest next to his loving wife in Union Cemetery, East Smithfield. Anyone wishing to do so may direct memorial contributions in Lavernes memory to Robert Packer Hospital, Desiree Stackhouse, Dialysis Unit, Sayre, PA 18840.