Obituary - Opal Lavone (Maloney) Croson

Memorial services for Lavone Croson will be held 11:00AM Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel. Visitation will be held prior to service beginning at 10:00AM. Inurnment to follow in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel, MO. Services will be officiated by Rev. Ronald W. Brown. Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Christian Church.

Opal Lavone (Maloney) Croson, age 89, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away December 17, 2013 at St. Mary’s Manor in Blue Springs, Missouri. Lavone was born in West Line, Missouri on June 30, 1924 to Ernest Ray Maloney and Lillie May (Musick) Maloney. She attended Dodger Point and Coldwater Schools through the 8^th grade. Lavone continued her education to graduate from Drexel High School in 1942. Lavone married Charles Glenn Croson on October 26, 1947 at their home in Drexel, Missouri. They were blessed with 51years of marriage before Charles’ passing on March 29, 1999.

Lavone retired from Bank of America after 38years of service, to care for her husband Charles when his health began to deterioriate. They enjoyed many years together traveling and collecting glassware. Lavone was able to accomplish a wonderful feat, in that she traveled to all 50 states, including visiting Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Throughout her life, Lavone was a member of  Raytown Christian Church, Raymore Christian Church, and  Good Shepherd Christian Church.

Lavone was preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Lillie Maloney, husband Charles, niece Marilyn Cook, brothers-in-law Charles B. Land and Junior Huiatt. She is survived by her son William Ray Croson, and wife Kathy; sisters: Dixie Allen, and husband Gene, Amanda Land, and Marie Huiatt; granddaughter Jennifer Ann Damiano, and husband Joe; great-grandchildren Nickolas, Reece, Lily and Charlotte Damiano; nieces Carolyn Gunnels, and husband John, Beverly Estep, and husband Chet; nephews Don Land, and wife Beth, Bob Land, and wife Lisa. Lavone also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends.