Ward Lavern Lasher, age 78, resident of Venango, PA for the past three years and of Crystal River, FL since 1972, passed away on Monday, September 1, 2013 at Cambridge Springs Rehab and Nursing Center. Born in Meadville, PA on November 13, 1934, Ward was a son of the late Harry Herbert Lasher and Lillian Rhea Weamer Lasher.
Several years after graduating from Cambridge Springs High School in 1953, Ward entered the US Army and served in Germany from September 21, 1956 until September 12, 1958 being honorably discharged as a Sergeant. On December 28, 1956 he married the former Dora M. Brown who preceded him in death on December 31, 2007. Following his discharge Ward worked for Talon, Inc., Meadville as a security officer until 1972 when he and his family moved to Crystal River, FL. He worked there for Florida Power until 1978 and then worked for Florida State Prison as a security officer and on the special task force. He retired on January 1,1996 with the rank of Sergeant.
Ward married Patricia A. Blake on June 18, 1984. He was a member of the Sheriff’s Association and was passionate about donating to the Sheriff’s Boys Ranch. He enjoyed NASCAR races, horse shows and Dog/Horse races.
Ward is survived by his former second wife; a daughter – Barb Lasher Dunlap of Atlanta, GA; a son – Steven W. Lasher of Lecanto, FL; two grandsons – Brandon K. Dunlap of Athens, Ga and Bradley S. Lasher of Owensboro, KY; and a granddaughter – Malinda Sue Lasher of Jacksonville, FL. Also surviving are two brothers – Frank A. Lasher, Sr. of Alabama and Paul I. Lasher and his wife, Verda of Venango, PA; two sisters – Margaret V. Barrett of Edinboro and Hazel J. Brown and her husband, Howard of Cambridge Springs. Also many nieces and nephews survive.
Ward was preceded in death in addition to his parents and his first wife, Dora, by a sister – Mary E. Tau and two brother-in-laws – Everett L. Tau and Clifford L. Barrett.
Friends may attend a funeral service at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro on Thursday, September 5th at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Thomas Shelow officiating and military honors being rendered. A calling hour will be observed beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will be private at Venango Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches, P.O. Box 2000, Boys Ranch, Florida 32064 would be appreciated by the family.
A great uncle. I always liked his chuckle after a good joke. I’m sure he’s driving his mustang again.