Deacon Gene Lasley, in his 81st year, "stepped into Sunday School in Glory" on Sunday morning, July 21, 2013, with his loving family near his side to witness.

In the beginning………

Gene E Lasley was born on Thursday, April 21, 1932 in Ft. Gibson, OK to James (Jimmy) Lasley and Estella Nero-Lasley. He was the only child born to this union. He was reared in the Ft. Gibson/Four Mile Branch community by his loving parents and aunts Carrie & Alice Bean and Uncle Rev. Roger Nero. He was preceded in death by one brother, Harold Nero, both parents, and his aunts and uncle.

His childhood through teenage years…….

Gene attended Douglas Elementary school in Muskogee, OK. He graduated from Manual Training High School in the class of 1951. During High school he played football and sang quartet with his friends who were like brothers, Clarence, Robert and Leon Perkins. In the neighborhood where he grew up his mother Estella and Mrs. Perkins were the best of friends, and since he was an only child he fit right in with the Perkins' family eating plenty of meals and spending many days and nights with the Perkins family. He considered them to be his family and they treated him as a brother. He attended the family reunions along with them and was accepted and treated as such.

After high school………

Upon the completion of high school Gene enlisted in the US Navy in the service of his country. He served in the Korean War and was stationed in California, Hawaii, and Japan. He received an honorable discharge after serving 4 years.

After the Navy….He met the Love of his Life…….

Gene returned to Muskogee, OK after being discharged from the Navy. Gene then attended Muskogee Junior College, graduating with an Associate's Degree in Accounting. In 1956 Gene met the love of his life Havana, affectionately known as "Van". They met at Leo's Ice Cream Parlor. After a brief courtship, they were married February 25 1957. During this 56 year marriage Gene helped his wife in the rearing of several of her siblings, often having them spend the night, take trips, attend functions and even giving two sisters away in marriage. He truly loved his family. Gene and Havana are the proud parents of 5 children 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He made a personal impact on the lives of each one of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He laughed loved and played with each one of them.

His spiritual life…….

Gene accepted Christ at an early age and was an active member of the St. Mark Baptist Church where his mother Estella was a charter member. Gene has served in many capacities at St. Mark, he was a Sunday School Teacher, Leader of the Royal Ambassadors, Bible Study leader for the youth teaching Blacks in the Bible. He served in the media ministry, as a bus driver, Deacon and as the financial secretary. Deacon Lasley formed and coached the St. Mark boys' basketball team in an effort to give them an activity to do that developed skills and to keep them active. He was always willing to do what needed to be done, he also instilled this service attitude in the lives of his children by bringing them to Church and not sending them, teaching them to be servants of the Lord through work in the church and the community.

His Employment, Civic and Community life…….

Gene believed in work, not only being employed but also working in his community. He was employed as an elevator operator in downtown Muskogee prior to being employed at Fansteel for more than 20 years working the graveyard shift. He believed in taking care of his family. In the community he formed and coached community girls and boys softball and baseball teams: The Westside Chargers and Chargerettes, the Biglow Professionals, and the Biglow Babes. He spent many evenings getting up to go to practice just before getting ready for work. He served on the Board of the Gospel Rescue Mission, utilizing his accounting skills in assisting in the financial components of the organization.

And his works shall follow him………

Gene will be missed by many but he leaves a legacy of love through the life he lived well.

Those left to carry on his memory are; Wife of 56 years, Havana "Van" Lasley of the home; Five Children: Keith & Yvette Vasquez—Oklahoma City, OK; Rhonda (Rev. J.L.) Mitchell, Oklahoma City; Tara Lasley, Dallas, TX; Regina (Orlandis) Webb, Muskogee, OK; Craig (Janelle) Lasley, Oklahoma City. Grandchildren, Kelvin, Sharhonda, Kira, Brittney, Jerrod, Asya, Drayllon, Landis, Nia, Craig, Grace, Daiseana. Great-Grandchildren: Kori, Ladd, Kamron, Kelissa, Kolby and Kingston. Sisters in law: Betty Jo Jackson, Idella (Oscar) Franklin, Ruthie Johnson, Lynetta Thompson, Juanita LeFlore; Athalene (Donald) Jackson. Brothers-in-Law: James (Ruby) Muhammad, Clyde Jackson, Harold Thompson, Charles Thompson and Jackie Robinson. Like a son Phillip Eusey. Special friends of the family, The Perkins family, Freddie Grant, Geneva Proutt and Delphia Webb; and a host of relatives and friends.

The Hour of Tribute will commence on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 11:30 AM in the St. Mark Baptist Church.

Burial will follow at 2:00 PM in the National Cemetery at Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma.

You may visit Mr. Lasley on Thursday from 12 Noon until 7 PM.