September 24, 1932 – October 17, 2019
After bravely struggling for years with Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. C. Roger DeHaven went to be with his Lord. He was 87. As the 2005 J Lawton Smith Award Recipient, we would like to remember Dr. DeHaven and the work that he did. His faithful walk with Jesus and his efforts to give both physical and spiritual light to others is an inspiration.
Dr. DeHaven was from Tyler, TX. He set up his private ophthalmology practice in Tyler shortly after moving there in 1964. Over the course of his career, he did over 23,000 cataract operations and was the first surgeon in East Texas to design and build a Medicare approved ambulatory surgical center. His involvement in the Lighthouse for Christ Eye Centre Mission in Kenya, East Africa was one of things he most treasured. He loved the Lighthouse and often said that was the reason he was put on this earth. He is responsible for the design and construction of their new Eye Center and building expansion that sits on the 2-acre Mombasa, Kenya, campus today.
He is survived by his wife Lou Anne whom he married on December 27, 1953. They enjoyed a long and happy marriage and were able to stay together throughout the progression of his disease, thanks to her tireless efforts. They had 5 children including son Thomas DeHaven who still practices in Tyler at the DeHaven Eye Center.
Comments on the Lighthouse for Christ Facebook page:
“A true hero of faith and selfless servant of the most high was entered his rest!”
“It was a privilege to serve alongside him at Lighthouse for Christ Eye Centre.”
“A great friend and man of God.”
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