The Versailles community lost a very highly respected man. Gerald Gene Laswell, age 80, passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2017, at his home. Gerald was born on March 4, 1937, the only child of the late Roscoe and Ollie (Snedaker) Laswell of Versailles.
Gerald graduated from New Marion High School in 1954. After high school, he attended Hanover College and IU, studying in the field of speech and dramatics. He then served in the United States Army as a Radio-Teletype Operator. He was a sharpshooter and received medals for Good Conduct and Expert Marksmanship.
While in the Army, he married Janice Graves, the love of his life, on June 23, 1957. They lived together in Hawaii during his duty. Upon completion of service, they returned to Gerald’s home town of Correct and began to raise a family. They were blessed with 3 children, and they were raised in a home of love and faith. Gerald was an active member of Shelby Christian Church and served as Sunday School teacher, Youth Coach, and Elder for several years.
Gerald worked in positions such as State Highway Inspector, Farm Credit Loan Officer and Owner/Operator of his own excavation and demolition company for 13 years. He served as Ripley County Treasurer and Clerk for 2 terms each. Before retirement, he was honored to receive the Sagamore of the Wabash award from the Governor of Indiana.
After retirement, Gerald enjoyed participating in several of the surrounding 5K walks until the age of 75. He also loved woodworking and growing big pumpkins for the Pumpkin Show. Gerald loved horses and was once a member of the Osgood Saddle Club. Another big part of Gerald’s life was the Versailles Lions Club of which he was 40 year member.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and wife Janice. He is survived by sons Larry (Elaine) and Terry Laswell of Osgood, and daughter Sherri (Kevin) Comer of Holton and grandchildren Ashley, Nathaniel, Nicholas, Karen, Jordan, Kasey, Lindsay, and Lydia, along with 8 great grandchildren.
The visitation will be held at Neal’s Funeral Home on Monday, October 2, 2017 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm . Funeral services will be on Tuesday October 3, 2017 at Shelby Christian Church of Versailles, with visitation starting at 9:30 am and funeral starting at 10:30 am officiated by Minister Tim Heim. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens near Madison. Memorials may be given to Shelby Christian Church Youth Group or the Versailles Lions Club Scholarship Fund in care of Neal’s Funeral Home.