Mr. John Gale Pavy

October 19, 1960 - July 19, 2015

John Gale Pavy, 54, of La Porte, passed away at 11:19 AM Sunday, July 19, 2015 at IU Health La Porte Hospital in La Porte, IN.

Born October 19, 1960 in Gary, Indiana, John was the son of the late Lavon Gale Pavy and Naomi Kay Marinis Ruark as well as the step-son of the late Thomas Ruark. He was a high school graduate of Jennings County High School and later obtained a master's degree in labor law from the University of Massachusetts. John served his country in the United States Marine Corps as an Aviation Electrician.

Mr. Pavy had been employed as a union rights advocate for factory workers and later for educators. John served as president of IUE-CWA Local #919. He was proud to be a Marine, Mason and member of the AFL-CIO. His interests included scuba diving, coin collecting, traveling, carpentry and fishing.

He is survived by a daughter, Rachel (Samson) Gifford of Charleston, IL, a brother, Brian (Becky) Ruark of North Vernon, and two sisters, Shelly Geer of North Vernon and Teri (Stan) Brading.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Information

Military honors and a celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2015 at Indiana Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Madison, Indiana. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral Home in North Vernon. Burial will follow the graveside honors provided by Madison's American Legion Post 9.

Donations Information

Memorials may be made through the funeral home to the donor's choice.