Obituary of L. G. Lefler

L G. "Lefty" Lefler returned to his heavenly home on April 15, 2019. At the age of 93, Lefty fulfilled his mission on this earth and joined his beautiful wife and loving Lord. Lefty's faith was an unwavering thread that wove through his life and guided him in all ways and gave him ultimate peace as his long, full, and glorious life on earth came to an end. Lefty was born on July 18, 1925 in Emporia, Kansas. He is preceded in death by his mother, Jessie Wiseman Lefler, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ida Lou and Charles Tevis and the love of his life, his wife Elizabeth Lou Tevis Lefler. Lefty and Betty were married in Jefferson City, Missouri on August 3, 1946. Married for 60 years, but together for all eternity in the Kingdom of Heaven. Betty and Lefty are survived by their two sons; Steven Fred (Linda) and Michael Tevis ( Barbara), their grandchildren; Heather (Toby), Brian (Aura), Michelle (Shan), and Susie (Brent), as well as their eight adoring great-grandchildren; Tyler (Lindsey), Andrew, Madison, Parker, Landry, Audrey, Brady and Stella. Lefty was very proud to have served in the United States Navy in WWII and the Korean War. He enlisted in 1943 and proudly served his country until he was Honorably discharged in 1954. Among his many adventures and accomplishments in the Navy, Lefty was promoted to Lieutenant and served as the Gunnery Officer on the U.S.S. Gurke as well as the U.S.S. Rowan. His time in the Navy sparked a love of Country that lasted a lifetime. Following his Naval service, Lefty attended and graduated from the University of Missouri with a Civil Engineering degree. He went on to have a long career in the construction industry. Following his career, Lefty enjoyed his retirement, which he filled with family, faith, tennis, friendships, attending sporting events and enjoying summers in Pinetop, AZ. Lefty loved the Lord and was a dedicated Christian, spending over 45 years as a member of Casas Adobes Church and was instrumental in its growth. Later in life, his faith led to him to become an ordained minister. Lefty was a gentleman in the truest sense. He has left behind a beautiful legacy of faith, hard work, loyalty to his country, a steadfast devotion to his family and an enthusiastic commitment to the University of Arizona Wildcats. Bear Down Arizona!! Lefty's life has had a lasting and significant impression on many lives, spanning several generations. Memorial Services will be held at Casas Church (10801 N. La Cholla Blvd. in the Barrier Chapel. Tucson, AZ. 85742) on May 4, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice or one of Lefty's favorites, Teen Challenge and Gospel Rescue Mission.