John Lavonne Arnsdorff
John Lavonne Arnsdorff was born on October 6, 1926 to Ellyne & Wilton Arnsdorff. He attended Morgan's school in grade one through seven then went to Clyo School in grades eight through ten.
He then attended Effingham Academy in Springfield in the eleventh grade where he played basketball, baseball and ran tract. He won the state in tract running the 440 and was also on the relay team. He graduated in 1944 and joined the Navy soon after graduation. While serving in the navy, he played basketball. He was discharged from the Navy in 1946.
He then started playing baseball with the Clyo baseball team. He married Onnie Howard on August 16, 1947. In 1948 he started playing baseball in the Savannah River League with the Effingham Crackers at the Mo-Ed Stadium.
He was a very active member of Turkey Branch Church, a very devoted Christian and held many offices in his Church. He played basketball with the church team in the county Church league. He played with the men's church softball team for years and also managed the team. He also managed the women's softball team for Turkey Branch and Bethel.
They had three daughters, Marsha Ellyne, Devra Juanita and Onnie Lynell. He has four grandchildren and six great-grands.
Lavonne was an avid Braves fan. Besides sports, his hobbies were hunting and fishing.