Richard Ellsworth Lasswell, 85 of McLeansboro, Illinois passed away Saturday May 10, 2025 at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.
Richard was born on March 6, 1940 to Byron and Vineta (Pete) Lasswell in Walpole, Illinois.
He married Sharon Eaton on August 3, 1963 at The First Presbyterian Church in McLeansboro, IL. He graduated from McLeansboro Township High School in 1958 and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1962 with a degree in education. He began his career at Knights Prairie School and later taught at Dale School. He rounded out his career in education by coaching high school golf and operating the scoreboard at Foxes high school basketball games for 25 years.
Richard served on the City Council of McLeansboro as an alderman for 28 years and played a large part in the construction of Kids Kingdom Park in McLeansboro, the building of the Izaak Walton Cabin at McLeansboro Reservoir and numerous other projects to improve the community. Richard was an avid golfer, playing his entire life with his son and son-in-law and later with his grandson, and always with a group of golfing buddies. He made a hole in one at the age of 78. He was a member of the High Hopes Investment Club, Hamilton County Bottle Club and Oddfellows Lodge. He enjoyed activities with family first and foremost, including family vacations and traveling with his wife and friends. Fishing, antique collecting, and a delicious plate of crab legs and shrimp were also on the top of his list.
Richard was a 75-year member of the First Presbyterian Church in McLeansboro.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Sharon, two children, Heidi (Jerry) Hart, and Heath (Stephanie) Lasswell all of McLeansboro, three grandchildren Nicholas Lasswell of Madison AL, Emaline (Braden) Christer of McLeansboro, and Olivia (Remington) Henson of Xenia, IL, two great gran sons Arza and Rhys Christer, several nieces, nephews, extended family, and wonderful friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Byron and Vineta Lasswell, and in-laws Harrel and Eva Eaton.
Visitation will be 10:00 A.M.-12:00 Noon, Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Harre Funeral Home, McLeansboro with the funeral service following at Noon. Reverends Bill Reed and Ron Nelson will officiate. Burial will follow at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, McLeansboro, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Hebron Cemetery, Hickory Hill Cemetery and/or Oddfellows Cemetery and may be accepted at the funeral home.
Harre Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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