Richard Allen Lasley

Richard Allen Lasley, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 12, 1966 to Carl Thomas Lasley and Norma (Sue) Campbell Lasley.  He was named after his mother’s favorite uncles: Richard, her mother’s youngest brother and his brother Allen, who has a special place in his mother’s heart. Richard was always a quiet boy, never one to give away much of his feelings. He had an intellect that displayed itself in comedic ways. During his early years, he would entertain the family around the kitchen table with impersonations of his father’s favorite screen actor, John Wayne.  He was amazingly good and very funny.  As with most people with a comedic bent, he was quite intelligent.  During his preschool years, his babysitter was his grandmother, Mary Katherine Campbell, a seasoned, proven expert in child-rearing, haven given birth to eleven children and rearing nine to adulthood.  Richard’s father worked the second shift, spending his pre-work hours with his son.  He would take Richard to his grandmother’s house on his way to work. Spending so much time with his dad was sure to give him a more unique outlook on life than the average young boy at that time. Many stories could be told of his preschool years that could bring a smile. Richard accepted Christ at an early age, going on to assist his parents in Children’s ministry, bearing much fruit during his teaching the youth at Good News Missions Youth Ministry. He later joined the Children’s Ministry at Solid Word Bible Church, under the director-ship of Angela McManus.  What joy it brought to him. His formal training revealed a gift of learning.  He did well in elementary school, always bringing home excellent grades. While in elementary school he won first place in an essay writing competition sponsored by SERTOMA Clubs of Indiana and performed in several stage productions at Jr. Civic Theater at Clowes Hall at Butler University.  In high school he continued to excel in his grades, winning much commendation for his prowess on the speech/debate team.  Richard was all-boy.  He was a wrestler and a football player in high school and played football and ran track and threw the shot put while at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, from which he graduated with a BA in PolySci.  While at Colby, in 1987, he interned with Mark Miles and his group at the Pan American Games of Indianapolis.  It was a tremendous time for Richard.               

Richard has always aspired to greater things.  Time and circumstances didn’t always agree, but he was consistent in working toward his goals. He aspired to be a lawyer, which was not to be.  And at an age when most are looking toward retirement, he was enrolled in an on-line course to earn an MBA, before his health began to cascade downward.  Richard’s health issues were mindboggling, but he made a valiant and faith-filled effort through it all.  Throughout the whole journey, as dark and hard as it seemed to be, our Heavenly Father was orchestrating so many things that would bring people, places and things together to accomplish His purpose in Richard’s final days. 

Richard left this earthly plane on March 30, 2023, leaving to miss him greatly his mother and brother John Daryl Lasley; a niece, April Valentine; a nephew, Michael Kenneth Lasley, Jr. and each with their three children, along with a host of cousins (paternal and maternal), faith family and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his father Carl T. Lasley and brother Michael K. Lasley Sr.  They are re-united with Christ in Heaven. Words of gratitude and thanksgiving must be expressed for the way God through Christ worked out the last three months of his life to take him to a place where he would spend the last 10 days of his life here. Love, Praise and Thanks to the Abbie Hunt Bryce Home.  From the Director to the care staff, to the maintenance man to the volunteers:  There is no way that words could do them justice. Kindness, gentleness, attention to detail – Words are not enough.  As told to them so many times – they were a God-send.  The same can be said about the men at Solid Word Bible Church.  Under the men’s ministry Richard was cared for as only God could arrange.  Under Bro. Maurice Taylor’s oversight so many men rallied around Richard that we hesitate to name names, fearing we might leave someone out.  It was all constant and constantly amazing and loving.  Most astounding is how the Lord sent him a mentor/helper in the person of Joe Haskins who the Lord providentially brought into his life.  Joe grabbed Richard’s attention and respect when he became a member of the men’s ministry. He saw in Joe so many qualities that reminded him of his dad.  Richard expressed that sentiment to his mother, who felt led of God to asked Joe’s help during these trying times, and he more than met the challenge.  He truly has been a God-send.  Thanks to God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ for all who had any part to play in Richard’s life and will Hopefully be in his eternity.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Allen Lasley, please visit our floral store.