memorial service was held on February 27, 1950, in Millburn, New Jersey, in front of hundreds of friends and family, including Georgie Small who broke down in tears during the reception after apologizing to Lavern's widow. Roach's Pastor Romaine F. Bateman's eulogy stated, "Few Men in New York have ever had so many friends. Once you knew Lavern you always felt you gained a friend." Thousands more bowed in grief as they read what had happened in the newspapers. Roach's body was then transported back to his home town of Plainview, Texas, by military escort where his closest friends and family laid him to rest in the Roach family plot at Plainview Cemetery. In his home town of Plainview, the Lavern Roach Memorial Award, is given as the highest honor bestowed upon a senior male student at Plainview High School by popular vote of the student body. It was established in April 1950 by his widow, Evelyn Roach, to promote clean living, good citizenship and sportsmanship. Through the years, the award has been given by his surviving family members including; his brother Bill, sister Beth, widow Evelyn, daughter Ronnie, son Richard, and three grandsons James, Kris, and Kyler Roach. Roach was recognized as one of the top 100 athletes of the century in the South Plains. Fight record Record to Date Won 26 (KOs 11) Lost 5 Drawn 0 Total 31 External links Article in Time Magazine eastsideboxing.com article Newspaper Article 1925 births 1950 deaths Plainview High School (Texas) alumni Deaths due to injuries sustained in boxing Middleweight boxers Boxers from Texas People from Plainview, Texas Sports deaths in New York (state) American male boxers