Keith E. Lasure

Keith Eugene Lasure died peacefully in his sleep on December 16, 2021, following a long and brave fight with Parkinson’s disease. He was born September 30, 1939, in the telephone office in Barlow, Ohio, to Dewey and Aldene Lasure. The family relocated to Canton, where Keith played football for McKinley High School before entering the Air Force. Always ambitious, Keith held dozens of jobs from the age of 15, and ultimately owned his own insulation company, Globe Insulation. In his 30s he joined the Stark County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit, working undercover details and riding in the Mounted Auxiliary Posse in security details and ceremonial events. That led to a 26-year career as Deputy Sheriff, the job that he loved and was so proud of. A favorite story of his time on duty was when, during a blizzard, he was called upon to deliver a baby in the back seat of the mother’s stranded car—with her German shepherd watching closely the whole time. After retiring in 2002, he served as the Nimishillen Township Zoning inspector for 4 years. He will be forever missed by his wife of 21 years, Judy. They met at the pharmacy where she worked. Rolling up to the drive-up window in his uniform and red Corvette led to a first date, which was all it took for the couple to begin a wonderful life together. They enjoyed camping in their old RV at East Harbor State Park on Lake Erie, and spent many hours spoiling their grandkids. Their favorite memories were from the many charter fishing trips for perch and walleye they took aboard the “Sassy Sal” in Port Clinton, including one memorable trip that found them riding out a tornado (it tore the roof off the boat, but they still caught perch!) Keith is also survived by his siblings: Shirley (Dan) Storch, Sherry (Bob) Pawley, Bill (Linda) Lasure, brother-in-law Paul Gretzinger, and sister-in-law Becky (Bud) Ostendorf. Also grieving are his children: Richard (Michelle) Lasure, LtCol Kenneth Lasure, USMC, Ret., (Julie), Stacey Lasure, Tom (Linda) Skelley Jr. and Jason (Judy) Skelley. He was so proud of them, as he was of stepchildren Brenda (Joe) Chupp and Aaron (Angela) Dunn, and their children Loretta, Jim and Macie. He bragged to everyone about his 18 grandchildren: Rachel, Ezra, Hannah, Grace, Abby, Tabitha and Samuel Lasure; Brad and Lauren Cohen, Sarah Saber, and Samantha and Emily Lasure; and Austin (Misty), Taylor (Maddie), Jaden, Jayla, Lucas and Jack Skelley. His great-grandchildren, Ellie and Xander Skelley, always brought a smile to his lips. Keith never stopped making friends and will be grieved by many, especially neighbors Bob and Deb Lee, who were always steady companions and a source of strength to him and Judy.

Calling hours will be Monday, December 27, at Stier Israel Funeral Home in Louisville from 6-8 p.m., and December 28, at 12 p.m. at Peace United Methodist Church, 5520 Ravenna Ave. in Louisville, followed by a service at 1 p.m. with Pastor Doug Beggs officiating. Judy asks that all attendees wear facial coverings to protect medically vulnerable family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Peace UMC, or the Free Store at Crossroads UMC, 120 Cleveland Ave. S.W., Canton, OH 44702. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.stierisraelfuneralhome.com

                                                                     Stier-Israel Funeral Home              330-875-1414

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