1936
LaVon
2023
LaVon Brillhart
April 18, 1936 — February 21, 2023
LaVon Dale Brillhart passed away peacefully on February 21, 2023, surrounded by his family.
LaVon was born April 18, 1936, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Mary Lucille and Bernard Otis. He
graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelors in Education followed by a Masters in
Education and an Education Specialist degree. LaVon spent 36 years as a special education
teacher. While teaching at Lott Day School, he met his forever sweetheart, Beth. In 1961, they
welcomed their son Mark with daughter Sara arriving in 1962. LaVon instilled a love of being
outdoors to his children. They spent many summer days walking along the Maumee River
learning about insects and flowers and searching for salamanders. LaVon was a strong
advocate for human rights and lived by his favorite quote, “peace is patriotic”. He marched for
peace in Washington DC and during the civil rights movement, he had the honor to meet Martin
Luther King Jr.. Lavon was also a longtime member of the Nuclear Freeze Committee. He was
the President of the Common Space Artist Cooperative in Toledo and was a lifelong supporter of
the arts. LaVon was never without a handmade clay pin or piece of beaded jewelry, creating art
made him happy and giving it away made him happier. He made beautiful art by manipulating
film to create abstract photographs. LaVon was well known for his writing, whether it be his
published poetry or letters to the editor. LaVon and Beth moved to Dillon, MT in 2001 where
they made many new friends and created many memories with their family. LaVon’s writing and
his great sense of humor will be missed. He would like to thank his family for their care, love and
good times. LaVon is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Bernard, as well as his son,
Mark. LaVon is survived by his wife of 62 years, Beth; daughter Sara and son in law Andrew;
grandchildren Dylan (Kelsie), Grace (Dana), and Jack as well as great grandson, Ira.
No formal services will be held. The family requests you create memories with your loved ones
and get outside to enjoy Mother Earth.
LaVon was born April 18, 1936, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Mary Lucille and Bernard Otis. He
graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelors in Education followed by a Masters in
Education and an Education Specialist degree. LaVon spent 36 years as a special education
teacher. While teaching at Lott Day School, he met his forever sweetheart, Beth. In 1961, they
welcomed their son Mark with daughter Sara arriving in 1962. LaVon instilled a love of being
outdoors to his children. They spent many summer days walking along the Maumee River
learning about insects and flowers and searching for salamanders. LaVon was a strong
advocate for human rights and lived by his favorite quote, “peace is patriotic”. He marched for
peace in Washington DC and during the civil rights movement, he had the honor to meet Martin
Luther King Jr.. Lavon was also a longtime member of the Nuclear Freeze Committee. He was
the President of the Common Space Artist Cooperative in Toledo and was a lifelong supporter of
the arts. LaVon was never without a handmade clay pin or piece of beaded jewelry, creating art
made him happy and giving it away made him happier. He made beautiful art by manipulating
film to create abstract photographs. LaVon was well known for his writing, whether it be his
published poetry or letters to the editor. LaVon and Beth moved to Dillon, MT in 2001 where
they made many new friends and created many memories with their family. LaVon’s writing and
his great sense of humor will be missed. He would like to thank his family for their care, love and
good times. LaVon is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Bernard, as well as his son,
Mark. LaVon is survived by his wife of 62 years, Beth; daughter Sara and son in law Andrew;
grandchildren Dylan (Kelsie), Grace (Dana), and Jack as well as great grandson, Ira.
No formal services will be held. The family requests you create memories with your loved ones
and get outside to enjoy Mother Earth.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of LaVon Brillhart, please visit our flower store.
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