Lavern "Vern" D. Struss, a man with a gentle soul and quiet strength passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, in Beaumont, Texas. Born on February 24, 1949, in Hastings, Nebraska, Lavern lived a life marked by kindness, patience, and a love for his family and community. His calm demeanor and huge heart touched everyone he met, leaving a lasting impression of warmth and generosity.
Lavern was raised on a farm in Kenesaw, Nebraska, where he developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the beauty in nature. He was baptized, confirmed, and attended grade school at Christ Lutheran Church. He continued to live out his faith through his daily kindness and his steady trust in God’s plan. He enjoyed worship with his family at FBC Groves.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska. After college, a job opportunity led him to Port Arthur, Texas, where he began working at Texaco in the early 1970’s. In 1978 he met Laura and her daughter Nichole, beginning a new chapter where he became a devoted husband and loving father.
Throughout his life, Lavern found joy in many hobbies and activities. He took great pride in keeping an immaculate yard, always full of seasonal colorful flowers. He especially loved his backyard garden. He provided both his family and neighbors with an assortment of fresh vegetables. Lavern learned through his father the skill of carpentry, as farmers often did during the winter months, and always had a project he was working on. He was meticulous in whatever he did and a huge resource of knowledge of many things, always selfless in his help to family, friends, and neighbors with a servant's heart.
Though he earned many titles through his life, the one he was most proud of was “Papa” to his three precious grandchildren. He was always ready to get them outside to help with plants, bake cookies, work on a puzzle, or play games. Lavern was a constant source of love and support for his family, attending his children's and grandchildren's school and sports events, piano and dance recitals.
Lavern is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Laura Struss; his daughters, Nichole Clark and her husband, Ted, and April Malain and her husband, David. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Ella Grace Consuelo Clark, Adeline Grace Malain, and Lucas John Malain. He is further survived by his brother, Roger Struss, his sister, Kathryn Johnson, sister in law Jennifer Struss, brother in law Steve Wilson, aunts Ruth Kroll and Carol Uden, nieces and nephews. Lavern was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Irene Struss, and his brother, Daniel Struss.
A visitation to honor and celebrate Lavern will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. with a funeral service at 2:00 P.M. at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 5601 39th Street, Groves, Texas 77619. A graveside service will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Cemetery in Port Neches, Texas. Donations in his honor can be made to United Board of Missions in Port Arthur, Texas.