Paul G. Lavin

Paul Lavin passed away on February 11, 2021, at the age of 87, in St Joseph’s Hospital Phoenix, Arizona. His daughter Rorie and son in law, Layne were by his side. Paul was born on December 2, 1933, to Victoriano and Susie Lavin, at their home in Midland City, AZ. He was the first born of their 7 children. The family moved to the Wheatfields area, now known as Lavin’s Arena. Paul grew up working hard with his father to establish the Wheatfields location, where family members still reside. He was very proud of his work ethics as a kid, as he had learned to milk cows at the age of 4. Paul graduated from Globe High School in 1952. After graduation, Paul volunteered for the National Guard and served his country for several years. His first job was working at the Burch Dairy, in Globe. He moved on to numerous cowboy jobs, working for LeRoy Tucker at the Bar 11 Ranch in Roosevelt, and Mark & Lloyd Hicks at the Hicks Ranch in Wheatfields, but decided that the ‘cowboy way’ was not for him. Paul traded in his spurs for 18 wheels and the beginning of a long and successful career of driving trucks. Paul was known as an exceptional driver and devoted to his trade which included his years with Virgil Burke Trucking, Harry Hagen Construction Co, Tanner/United Metro Materials. Paul loved his driving career and enjoyed teaching the trade to new drivers. Paul was an active member of the teamsters for over 40 years. Paul married Carolyn Gentry in 1957, from that union three children were born, James Paul (JP), Victor, and Londa. He later married Betty Stowe and added her three children; Rocky, Jacky and Scott to his family. Paul and Betty had one daughter together, Rorie. In retirement, Paul moved from the city to his home in Tonto Basin, AZ. Where he enjoyed his time with old friends, neighbors and his grandchildren Seayna, Shayl and Jimmy. His favorite times were going to Globe for Mexican food, visiting his family, arguing politics and picking the fruit from his beloved trees. Paul always had a hilarious story to share and he loved singing to good old country music, especially “Seven Spanish Angels”. Paul was loved by all and never knew a stranger. Paul will be deeply missed but never forgotten. The life given to us is short but the memory of a life well spent is Eternal. Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Victoriano Lavin and Susie Lavin Anaya, sisters, Rosie Lavin and Adelita Lavin Jones, brother, Frank Lavin, and 3 children; JP Lavin, Victor Lavin and Londa Lavin Prewitt. Paul is survived by daughter, Rorie Smith (Layne) of Overgaard, step-daughter, Jacky Christian (Mike) of Cuchara, Co.; step-sons, Rocky Fuller of Payson, and Scott Rhodes (Mindy) of Glennie, Michigan; sister, Margaret Sanford of Globe, brothers, Johnny Lavin (Barbara) of Boyd, Texas and Joe Lavin (Christie) of Globe, multiple nieces and nephews, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. HIS SERVICES WILL BE PRIVATE.