Lavon Joy Vossen

Lavon Joy Vossen, age 91, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Midland Hospice House.

She was born the daughter of Lloyd and Ferne (Campbell) Shearer on August 19, 1934, in Wilsey, KS. Lavon was raised on a farm during the Great Depression where she understood the meaning of hard work and determination. Her mother was a teacher, and she set the standard for an education. Lavon found immense joy reading various books, magazines and any article of information she could get her hands on. She was a proud 1952 graduate from Wilsey High School.

After high school, Lavon set her sights to the city and arrived in Topeka. She met, fell in love and married Alfred Raymond Vossen on February 11, 1956, at Holy Name Church. Together, they celebrated 62 years of marriage before Ray’s passing on June 3, 2018.

If Lavon wasn’t reading her favorite book, she would be mastering crossword puzzles or cheering on her beloved KU Jayhawks. During her working career, she was a legal secretary for Frank Sabatini. Later, she was employed by the phone company and after retirement, she and Ray spent countless hours volunteering at St. Francis Hospital. Throughout the years, Lavon and Ray shared many memories traveling across the U.S. in their R.V. and never missed an opportunity to support their children and great-grandchildren’s activities. Her faith was important and she was a devout Catholic. Her greatest accomplishment was sharing the importance of education with her family. Her four children as well as nine grandchildren obtained college degrees. It was important to Lavon to be an independent thinker, and she was strong in her convictions. She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her children, Deborah Newcomer (Steve) of Topeka, Larry Vossen (Cindy) of Tecumseh, Kevin Vossen (Sandy) of Norman, OK, and Stacey Calhoon (Brian) of Lawrence. Other survivors include her cherished nine grandchildren, Jarod Shirley, Joe Vossen, Adam Vossen, Sam Vossen, Josh Vossen, Aaron Vossen, Jacob Vossen, Reagan Calhoon, and Rhen Calhoon; as well as six beloved great-grandchildren, Parker, Darcy, Frank, Arlo, Holley, and Savannah Vossen. Lavon leaves behind her sister, Lois Miller of Huntsville, AL.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray Vossen; and two brothers, James & Brent Shearer.

Memorial visitation will take place from 9-9:30 A.M., followed by a parish rosary being prayed at 9:30 A.M., on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., at the church. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Lavon's memory to Midland Hospice Care. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

We invite you to share a memory, leave condolences, or sign Lavon's digital tribute wall at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.