Laverne Louis Tilly, 85, Bicknell, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Freelandville Community Home. Laverne was born July 2, 1930, in Knox county, the son of Albert and Lena (Pieper) Tilly. He married Betty Ruminer on April 13, 1957. He graduated from Freelandville High School in 1947. Laverne was a lifelong farmer and was a member of Bethel Church, Bicknell Elks, and a lifelong member of the Good Neighbors Sunday School Class. He also was in the United States Air Force.
Laverne is survived by his daughters, April Sims of Warner Robins, GA and Cheryl Sims and her husband of Bicknell; grandchildren, Toby Threlfall of Elk Grove, CA, Jennifer Sims of Hilo, HI, Autumn Butler of Nineveh, IN, Brandon Tilly Wlliams of Savannah, GA, Starlin Laverne Sims of Vincennes, and Celeste Sims of Savannah, GA; great-grandchildren, Johnna M. Threlfall, Madeline and Kellan Turner, Jacqueline, Lance, and Gavin Butler, and Jackson Sims; sister, Janet Tilly of Bicknell; brother, Herman Tilly and wife Nancy of Bicknell; niece, Kris Leous; nephew, Jeff Tilly; four great-nephews; and one great-niece.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, on October 6, 2014; parents; daughter, Toby Williams; and brother Wayne Tilly.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 13, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Bethel Church. Funeral services will begin after visitation at 4:00 PM also at the church with Pastor Mike DeCoursey officiating. He will be laid to rest at Bethel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Church or the Freelandville Community Home. Arrangements were entrusted to Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home Bicknell Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.fredrickandson.com.