Kermit "Lash" LaRue

Whether serving his country, playing a round of cards with friends, or spending time with family, Lash LaRue was a stubborn, giant of a man when it came to matters of the heart. A simple fellow by nature, he knew the importance of what life had to offer, and led his life rich with experience, hard work and determination. True to his roots, Lash encompassed a laid back outlook on life, but in the end, found true joy and happiness surrounded by those he loved.

Far removed from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, Kermit’s story began on an early spring day set in the hills of Tennessee. It was an exciting time in the country with the heyday of the Roaring 20s in full swing and when big bands were king. Prohibition was law of the land as U.S. manufacturers were implementing the eight hour, five day work week, and factory towns flourishing. On April 19, 1926, in a quiet rural community of Appalachia, William and Viann (Beaty) LaRue welcomed Kermit “Lash” LaRue into their lives.

One of 13 children, Lash was raised to be self sufficient with a hard work ethic. The family lived on a farm where Lash’s father made his living, and all the children pitched in to do their part. His mother took care of the household, making all the clothes as well as home schooling the children. The days had an atmosphere similar to “Little House on the Prairie” where even one of Lash’s relatives ran the local, one room schoolhouse. His family lived a simple life, living off the land, growing and hunting for the food that was placed before them. When he was a mere nine years old, Lash discontinued his studies in order to help more on the family farm.

At the age of 16, Lash set out on his own, moving to Ohio where he began working for the railroad. It was quite something to be earning $3.75 an hour at the time. It was during World War II that Lash eventually enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Like many young men during the war, he lied about his age in order to enlist early.

Having made the military somewhat of a career, Lash served for 22 years in all. He had vast experiences and became well traveled throughout this time. He spent almost eight years in Germany, three years in North Africa, five years in Canada and back home in the states, he spent five years in Amarillo, Texas. It was while stationed in Germany that he found the love of his life when he met and married a young girl by the name of Lena. Even though their marriages ended twice in divorce over the years, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Vianna.

Lash had a love for gambling and was a big card player, but deep rooted in his nature was a giving and generous man. During his years in the service, he worked running the Officer’s Club that made for many interesting stories shared throughout his life.

While stationed in Goose Bay, Canada, Lash met and fell in love with Freda who was a single mother. Taking Freda and her son Dave into his heart, Lash eventually adopted Dave as his own. Over time, Lash and Freda had two children together when Monty and Kevin came along.

In 1967, the year Monty was born, Lash was honorably discharged from the military, and the family moved to Galion, Ohio. Lash found employment at the Holiday Inn working in food and beverage. Over time, he attended special classes, later becoming an innkeeper. His work there afforded the family travel opportunities to visit Holiday Inn’s throughout the state. Things did not continue well for Lash and Freda, and in 1974, the two parted ways.

To spend time with his son Kevin, Lash went to live in Louisiana. In 1994, the two packed up and headed for Michigan. While in Michigan, Lash began working with his son, Dave, at LaRue's Family Restaurant in 1996. Quite a socializer, Lash loved that part of restaurant life. He took on the role as the “glorified gofer” there, running errands, getting supplies and being on hand when needed. Throughout the years, he made many good friends at the restaurant where he loved sharing his Air Force stories, not to mention flirting with the girls, and his enjoyment teasing them too!

Lash had a stubborn streak, and was truly convinced that if anything bad happened, it was not going to affect him. His opinion was right, and that was the way it was for him. Even so, Lash was a man with a generous heart who gave of his time freely, and his money gladly when needed. A man of simple routine, Lash could often be found visiting with friends over his favorite meal consisting of two eggs over easy two sausage links, hash browns and dry uncut whole wheat toast. He was also proud of his 1998 red Dodge pick up truck that he drove everywhere.

In his spare time, Lash enjoyed a good game of golf and loved watching the CNN broadcast. Always a hillbilly at heart, he had a great love for the old country songs of his youth. Although Lash was never one to practice religion, he did possess a private kinship with his Lord, faithfully reading his bible each night. He was in his element when grandchildren came into his life, finding great joy in each of them. Lash was especially elated when he had the opportunity to name his last grandson, and deciding to call him simply good old W.J., the two shared a special bond of love.

Sadly, after a short illness, Kermit “Lash” LaRue, age 82, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2009 in Kalamazoo. Lash was preceded in death by 5 siblings. Surviving are his 4 children: Vianna LaRue, Dave and Heather LaRue, Monty LaRue and fiancée, Francie Emory, and Kevin and Amy LaRue; 9 grandchildren: Dave, Jr., Jason, Casey, Chase, Teague, Josh, Nate, Maggie and William “W.J.” LaRue; 3 siblings: Lucille Tinch, Velma Roelle, and Riley LaRue; many nieces and nephews.

A service will be held Tuesday, March 31, 7:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900 followed by refreshments at the Center Ice Bar. Burial will take place Wednesday, 10:00 AM at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Please visit Lash’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a favorite memory or photo, or sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home.