Dr. Lavanner Corey and Mary E. Leas were the parents of Dr. Charles W., Perry, Nellie, Rillia and at least one other. The Blackford and Grant Co. History (1914) states that Mary had 4 sons and 4 daughters.

The Warren Republican, Thursday
December 17, 1896
Death of Dr. L. Corey

At his home in Van Buren last Sunday evening, at 7:30 o'clock, Dr. Lavanner Corey, one among the oldest and best known physicians in this part of the country, passed from earth to the life beyond the grave. Several years ago his health began to fail, and a yer ago last fall he was confined to his bed for a number of weeks, during which time his eyes were affected and he nearly lost his sight. He finally recovered sufficiently to be up and about the house and to walk to the stores nearest his residence, but he never became well enough to resume the practice of medicine.

His interest in the affairs of life, however, did not abate and his daughter read to him the daily papers. About the middle of August he took to his bed and from that time until death came to relieve him of his sufferings he was constantly cared for, day and night, by his faithful wife and daughter. On Tuesday of last week he became unconscious and could not be roused any more. The life which had been so noble and so useful finally went out and left a poor and emaciated body over which many loving and admiring friends shed tears of sorrow and regret.

The deceased was born in Rush county, Indiana, on March 14, 1834, and was therefore 62 years, 8 months and 22 days old. He moved with his parents to Van Buren township in 1839. He began the study of medicine under Dr. D. Palmer, of Warren, about 1856, and afterwards went to Mt. Etna where he was a student under Dr. Chadwick for a few months. In 1858 he was granted a license to practice medicine by the Grant County Medical Society, and afterwards attended Ohio Medical College from which institution he graduated.

He also attended lectures at Rush Medical College. For nearly forty years he practiced medicine from Van Buren, and was regarded as one of the most competent and successful physicians in all this part of the country. His natural ability was above the average, and with a good true heart and a sociable, pleasant nature his friends were numbered by all who knew him. Inducements were offered him by the leading physicians at Marion and Wabash to locate in their towns, but he preferred to stay where he was and declined all their offers. In the spring of 1877 he moved from the farm east of Van Buren to town and remained there the rest of his life.

Dr. Corey was twice married, the first to Ann M. Whinery, by whom he has no children living, and to Mary Lease, Oct. 24, 1861. To this union five children were born. Two daughters and one son died in infancy, and the two living are Charles W. and Nellie. Charles adopted the profession of his father and is located at Hartford City. Miss Nellie is a home with her mother. Years ago he was a member of the M.E. church and also of the Masonic Lodge at Warren, but allowed his membership to drop in both of these.

It may be said, however, that his principles and views in regard to church and society remained unchanged. Funeral services took place on Tuesday forenoon at the M.E. church in Van Buren, conducted by Rev. Wade, of Bluffton, and Dr. Maple of Warren, and interment was in the Odd Fellows cemetery at Marion, attended by a large concourse of relatives and friends. Peace to his ashes.