{geni:about_me} http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pe/obituary.aspx?...er&pid=154211569

WILLIAM D. LAVENDER 12/23/1921-10/17/2011 Born in Alabama to Dr. Claud Lavender and Maggie Mae Neel, he served in the Air Force during World War II, in India and China, then earned a Master's at USC's School of Music. During his career as composer/sound-effects editor with Air Force Audio-Visual Services, and also in retirement, he wrote two often-performed children's musical plays, six novels, including best-seller ''Chinaberry'', and Young Adult titles''Just Jane'' (2002) and ''Aftershocks'' (2006). He had a new novel under way at the time of his passing. Bill was a life-long student of history and an avid birdwatcher. He was especially proud of his 3 grandchildren and 3 children, as well as his wife of 62+ years, Mary, who survives him. There are no services. Published in the Riverside, CA ''Press-Enterprise'' on October 20, 2011