LaVern E. Pax
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
3rdHighest Military Rank
SP4Tomb Dates
Apr 1957 - Oct 1958Society Membership
Lifetime MemberHome City / State
St. Mary, OHCurrent City / State
Pickerington, OHTomb Reflections
Posted during the double internment of the World War II and Korean War UnknownsObituary
Husband, father, and grandfather, LaVern “Vern” Pax, age 86, of Pickerington, formerly of St. Marys, Ohio, was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 7, 2022. He was born November 17, 1935 in Celina, Ohio to the late Edmund J. and Frances K. (Meyer) Pax, the 11th of 15 children. On May 6, 1961 he married his beloved wife, Shirley Fischbach and shared 61 wonderful years of marriage with her. She survives at the residence. Vern is also survived by his children, Renee’ (Dana) Metz, Gilbert, AZ, Dana (Stephen) Farley, Sunbury, OH, and Eric Pax, Baltimore, OH; grandchildren, Kyle Metz, Joshua Metz, Emma Pax, Eddy Pax, Kayla Farley, and Michael Farley; sisters, Bernadette Disque, Florentine Cafferky, Barbara Geiser, Edwina Meyers, and Rita Klosterman; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Brunswich, Leonard Pax, Charles Pax, Ruth Leugers, Norma Irvin, Madonna Issen, Richard Pax, Vincent Pax, and Juanita Schindler.
He graduated from St. Marys Memorial High School in 1953. After a brief career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., he served in the U.S. Army where he was selected and proudly served as a member of the US Army Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Following his military service, he was employed as an agent for Nationwide Insurance in St. Marys for 32 years. Following his retirement, he and Shirley moved to Pickerington where he engaged in the storage and landscaping business with his son.
He enjoyed spending his time outdoors and meeting people. Vern’s Christian faith was an essential part of his life. He was an engaged member of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was always ready with a quick joke or story, but above all, he was immensely proud of his family. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and will be dearly missed.
Outside Tributes
TributeMemories & Condolences
Share a Memory
Awards & Decorations
Tomb Guard Identification BadgeSupport the Society
The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
Learn More
Did you know?
Do you guard in a blizzard or a bad thunderstorm?
YES, but the accomplishment of the mission and welfare of the Soldier are never put at risk. The Tomb Guards have contingencies that are ready to be executed if the weather conditions ever place the Soldiers at risk of injury or death (i.e. lightning, high winds, etc). This ensures that Sentinels can continue the mission while ensuring safety. It is the responsibility of the Chain of Command from the Sergeant of the Guard to the Regimental Commander to ensure mission accomplishment and soldier welfare at all times.
It was erroneously reported that during Hurricane Isabel, the Sentinels were ordered to abandon their posts for shelter and that they refused. No such order was ever given. All proper precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the Sentinels while accomplishing their mission. Risk assessments are constantly conducted by the Chain of Command during changing conditions to ensure that soldier welfare is maintained during mission accomplishment.
