Master Sgt. Lance Avery

Marion- Master Sgt. Lance P. Avery, age 60, of Marion, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2014 in rural Saline County, due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Lance was born in Benton on June 8, 1954, the son of George and Loretta (Vene) Avery. He married Luciana Morales on June 20, 1992 at the Water Street Baptist Church in Marion. She survives.

Lance graduated from Marion High School in 1972 and continued his education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale receiving his bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice and his master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.  He served in the United States Army, enlisting in 1973, completing basic training, infantry training, and ranger school and was stationed as a ranger at Fort Wainwright, Alaska specializing in Arctic Warfare.  Lance served in the United States Border Patrol in the mid 1980’s and later joined the Army National Guard as an Infantry Scout and also went through the 12th Special Forces Group for ten years. Lance was proud of his time he trained in China and jumped with the Taiwan Army Airborne crew. He later served in the Gulf War, served with the 82nd Airborne, served as drill sergeant with a reserve unit, served in Iraq in 2008 and Afganistan in 2010.  Lance was proud to have served in three wars and honored to have served his country for more than thirty-three years. Mr. Avery was also in the Secret Services under President George Bush’s second term as President.

Lance loved spending time with his grandkids and family. He loved animals and was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association. Mr. Avery was a member at the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church where he also served as a Deacon.

Survivors include his wife- Luciana Avery of Marion Son- Donald E. (Stasy) Burnett of Kinnelon, NJ Son- Tony (Tasha) Burnett of Creal Springs Daughter- Teresa Burnett of Marion Nine Grandchildren- Austin, Daniella, and Anthony Burnett Tory and Alex Hinz Dawsen, Isabella, and Elijio Burnett Joseph Marshall Brother- Laird Avery of Marion

He was preceded in death by his parents and his Aunt Thelma Avery.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. John Burnett officiating. Burial will follow at County Line Cemetery with military honors provided by Marion’s VFW and American Legion Posts with assistance from the National Guard.  Visitation will be held from 10-11am on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion.

For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Full Gospel Tabernacle.  Envelopes will be available and accepted at Blue Funeral Home; 1704 N Court Street; Marion, IL 62959.