Duane Lafayette Lax

Duane Lafayette Lax, age 76, of Hickory Valley, passed away on Friday morning, July 10, 2026, at his home in Hickory Valley, TN.

He was born in Somerville, TN, to the late Joseph Lafayette Lax and Marjorie Evelyn Davis Lax. On February 17, 1992, he married Renita Lois Howell. Mr. Lax worked as a heavy machinery operator for the Hardeman County Landfill, as well as being a volunteer fireman for the town of Hickory Valley. Duane was an avid hunter. He would participate in the National Field Trials. He also enjoyed riding horses. Mr. Lax was an alderman for the town of Hickory Valley for years up until 2025 and even served as the town's mayor at one time. He was a hard worker and lived life to the fullest. He loved his family, especially his grandkids, and he was always willing to help people in any way he could. Mr. Duane was a member of the Hickory Valley Baptist Church, and he lived most of his life in Hickory Valley.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Nita Lax of Hickory Valley; his children, Colton Joseph Lax (Sara), Morgan Elizabeth Lax Goudy (Dillon), and Cody Forrest Brint; three grandchildren, Madalynne Elizabeth Goudy, Bennett Lee Goudy, and Brooke Brint; and a sister Jacque Lynn Lax Jackson. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph Lafayette Lax and Marjorie Evelyn Davis Lax.

Graveside services for Mr. Lax will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, July 13, 2026, at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Somerville, TN.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the choice of the donor.