Earl Cavanah

Earl Kenneth Cavanah, 88, of Independence, Missouri passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2013 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his daughter, Marilynn and her husband Jerry Jackson; son, Marty and his wife Cindy Cavanah; grandchildren, Jennifer and husband Matthew Holding, Sam Jackson, David and his wife Shelby Cavanah and Katie Cavanah; great grandchildren Marlee and Elia Holding, Macey Cavanah; a sister, Ruth Stevenson; sister-in-law, Betty Cavanah and a special friend, Paula Jones. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Cavanah, a brother, Gail Cavanah, brother-in-law, George Stevenson and sister-in-law, Charlotte Harris. Kenny was born November 11, 1924 in Independence, MO and was a lifelong resident graduating from William Chrisman High School in 1942. He proudly served in the US Army during WWII with the 17th Airborne Glider Infantry were he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and later crossed the Rhine River in a glider during Operation Varsity. After the war he began a 38 year career with Southwestern Bell Telephone. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers Club, American Legion Post #21, VFW, Civil War Round Table and the 17th Airborne Veterans Club. He married the love of his life, Mary Eleanor Carlson who was a 1947 Santa-Cali-Gon queen. They shared 52 years of marriage and devotion to one another and their family. Kenny is a perfect example of the Greatest Generation and was blessed with many friends and loved ones. He never met a stranger and could make anyone feel special. He had a wonderful smile and sense of humor that will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 26, 2013 at the First Christian Church 125 S. Pleasant St., Independence, MO 64050. Inurnment with full military honors to follow in Mt. Washington Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m., until service time Friday at the church. Donations may be made in his name to either the First Christian Church of Independence or to the American Legion Post #21 16701 E. US 40 Highway, Independence, MO 64055.