Claude "Hammer" Lasater, 87, of Broughton, died at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug.2, 2009, at his home. He was born on Feb. 13, 1922, in Hamilton County, a son of John and Elsie (McGill) Lasater.

He married Betty Pennnington on Jan. 31, 1946, and she survives. In addition to his wife, Mr. Lasater is survived by two daughters, Karla Lee and husband David of West Frankfort and Penny Lee and husband Roger of McLeansboro; a grandson, Darin Hayter and wife Robbie of Lebanon, Tenn.; two step grandchildren, Darin Lee and wife Gina of Nashville and Denise Dismukes and husband Mark of O'Fallon; a great-grandson, Andrew Hayter; five step great-grandchildren, Lacy, Kyle, Kelsey, Jackson and Danielle; two sisters, Mary Severs of Glen Carbon and Louise Towle of Waukegan; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Myrtle Matthews. He will be missed by family and friends.

Mr. Lasater served as acting Broughton Postmaster for several years. He was very instrumental in supervising and maintaining the Broughton water system. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was also recognized as a 50 year Masonic Member at Walpole Tuscon Lodge 630. He was a member and superintendent of Hickory Hill Baptist Church for many years.

Services will be held at 2 p.m.. Wednesday at Hickory Hill Baptist Church with the Revs. Bill Gholson and Paul Brown officiating. Burial will be in Hickory Hill Cemetery near Broughton. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro and from 1:30 p.m. until the time of services on Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the New Hickory Hill Cemetery Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home. Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro is in charge of arrangements.

 

(The Mt. Vernon Register)