Funeral service for Retired First Sergeant Phillip Gene Lavalis Sr., 78, of Copperas Cove, TX will be Saturday, October 1, 2016, at Mt. Sini Missionary Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow the service with full military honors at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves, TX.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 1, 2016, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Mt. Sini Missionary Baptist Church.

Retired First Sergeant Phillip Gene Lavalis Sr., was born on February 27, 1938, to Herman Lavalis and Rose Frank in Marksville, LA. He was raised in Port Arthur, Texas and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1958. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marines Corps and later enlisted in the United States Army. While serving his country he received the following awards and citation: The Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal (w/silver, 2 loops), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (w/3 Bronze Service Stars), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (numeral 1), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (numeral4), Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Expert Badge (Rifle). He was honorable discharged after serving his country for 26 years. After his military career he worked as a Civil Service Employee at Fort Hood, Texas and at Auto Max Auto Dealership in Killeen, TX for several years.

On August 13, 1960, he married Bertha L. Frank. They shared 56 years of married and many wonderful memories together as they traveled to various places throughout his military career.

Retired First Sergeant Lavalis Sr., lived in the Central Texas area since 1972. He was a member of the VFW, Disable American Veterans and American Legion. And he was a member of the St. James masonic Lodge #7, a past member of Rock Island Baptist Church in Port Arthur, Texas and a present member of Comanche Chapel, Fort Hood, TX. He truly loved the Lord and was a true soldier who finished his race.

He loved the Dallas Cowboys, playing pinochle, watching old westerns on TV and traveling.

Left to cherished his memories are: his beautiful wife of 56 years, Bertha L. Lavalis of Copperas Cove, TX; son, Philip G. Lavalis Jr., of Copperas Cove, TX; daughter, Valarie R. Lavalis of Austin, TX; sisters, Rose Mary Watson of Port Arthur, TX, Pamela Landry (Arnold) of Desoto, TX, Marietta Bennett (Clayton) of Desoto, TX, Mary Lavalis of Port Arthur, TX and Debbie Proctor(Calvin) of Port Arthur, TX; uncles, Sylvan Frank Sr., of Port Arthur, TX, Jules Frank Sr., of Marksville, LA, Clifton Frank II of Marksville, LA; aunts, Mildred Frank of Port Arthur, TX, and Francis Gallow of Port Arthur, TX and a host of other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman Lavalis and Rose Bonton, and sisters, Tina Maxie and Betty Overhaus.