Lavern Wayne Luehrs

Lavern Wayne Luehrs, 86, of Trinity, Texas formerly of Ogallala, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2025 in Livingston, Texas.

Lavern was born November 20, 1938 in Ogallala to Adolph and Adelia (Schoff) Luehrs.He attended St Paul’s Lutheran School through the 8 th grade, then graduated from OHS in 1956. While in high school, Lavern served in the Nebraska National Guard 134th Infantry Heavy Mortar Company. He joined the Navy in 1957 where he served as an Electrician's Mate Second Class aboard the USS Plymouth Rock (LSD 29) until 1959 when he was discharged, he then served in the Navy Reserve until 1961. After his Navy service, Lavern lived in Denver, CO and Torrington, WY where he worked in Television repair. He married Arlene Cox on February 27, 1963 in North Platte, NE. They made their home in Ogallala.

Lavern spent several years as a home builder in the Ogallala area, he worked as a draftsman and engineer, was a master electrician and retired from the City of Ogallala Parks Department in 2003. In 2005 He and Arlene moved to Trinity, TX to be close to their daughter Donna and her family.

Always an innovative thinker, he designed and built steel guitars as a hobby in his retirement. He self-published instruction manuals on his building techniques and launched the ‘Redneck Steel Guitar’ website as well as an online forum for guitar builders. He made many connections across the country with other guitar building enthusiasts and musicians.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph Luehrs and Adelia (Schoff) Luehrs; sister, Verona Swindell; and brother, Norman Luehrs. Lavern is survived by his wife, Arlene Luehrs of Trinity, Texas; daughters, Donna (Billy) Reeves of Trinity, Texas, Diane (Kenny ) Hill of North Platte, Nebraska, and Debra (Greg) Hatch of Grand Junction, Colorado; grandchildren, Starla, Hollie, Alan, Brandon, Shawna, Dustin, Benjamin, and Taylor; 14 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be Saturday, October 4th at 1:30 pm at the Ogallala Cemetery with Rev. Timothy Steele II of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Officiating.

Draucker Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements