Eugene F. Lash

Eugene F. Lash, 83, of Danville, passed away at 8:54 a.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at Provena U.S.M.C. " Logan Campus in Danville. He was born October 25, 1921 in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, the son of Felix and Mary (Wislinski) Lash. He married Elizabeth A. Nusbaum in 1945, she preceded him in death on September 29, 2000. He is survived by: three daughters " Patricia (John) Bowers of Danville, Cathy (Bob) Chalkus of Bonita Springs, FL and Vicky Furgason of Indianapolis, IN; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers " Dick (Joan) Lash of Las Vegas, NV and John Lash of Philadelphia, PA and one sister " Stella (Eddie) Balotsky of Indian River, FL. In addition to his wife, his parents and one sister " Dorothy preceded him in death. Eugene received his BA Degree in Physical Education with a minor in History from Strasburg East College in Strasburg, PA. He later received his Masters Degree in Physical Education in 1947 from the University of Illinois. He served his country during WWII in the US Army as a Second Lieutenant. Eugene worked for the Veterans Administration Illiana Health Care System in Danville as a physical therapist for over 35 years. He received the Alumni Hall of Fame award for his athletic achievements from Strasburg East College, was a Big 10 Umpire in baseball for over 20 years, served as Umpire in Chief for the State of Illinois during the 1970s, was very active in Illinois High School Athletics and was umpire for the American Legion Little League in Danville for many years. He was a former member of the Elks Club, former member of the Danville Officials Association, and helped to train several area officials. He especially enjoyed football, baseball and basketball. He loved to watch baseball on television, and was an avid Chicago Cubs and Illini Fan.