Paul Richard Rasor

Paul Richard Rasor, (September 16, 1952 – January 24, 2016) a transplanted West side boy, graduate of West High School ('71), graduate of The Ohio State University ('75) with a BA degree in History, Santa Extraordinaire, inspiring singer, loyal OSU, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Reds fan, avid fisherman, skilled Euchre player and general good guy, transitioned from earth to Heaven following complications of cancer. As a lifetime member of West Park United Methodist Church, he sang in the choir, lead the Youth Group, taught Sunday School classes, played softball, dartball, flipped pancakes and served His God whenever possible. Paul was also an honorary choir member at Mancelona United Methodist Church (Michigan). He was often asked to sing Special Music for both congregation's Sunday Services. While ill, he joked about being prayed for by the Amish, Baptists, Catholics, Episcopalians, Evangelicals, Lutherans, Methodists, Mennonites, Mormons, Nazarenes, Presbyterians and even a few atheists perhaps causing God to wonder just who is this Paul Rasor guy? Paul held only two jobs: 14 years at Lazarus in Sporting Goods and 25 years for the City of Worthington, Parks & Recreation Division as a groundskeeper. He also served the Worthington community as a “Helper” Santa for 15+ years. He was a member of The Capitol City Barbershop Chorus for many years. He enjoyed acapella harmonizing, the camaraderie and humor of his fellow vocalists. The 11th Avenue Express quartet is now complete. Paul learned to fish (largest catch – 19 1/2” small mouth bass; last catch – 16” largemouth bass) at the knee of his grandfather, Herb Rasor while at the family cabin in Kalkaska, Michigan where Paul has been able to relax every year of his life. There is a placard on the cabin's door which reads: “To fish or not to fish … dumb question!” Paul taught many a folk how to catch “the big one”. He is now fishing with his grandfather in Heaven's spring fed lake where every catch is a keeper and no fish tales are needed. Those who have gone before include Paul's dad, Richard Rex Rasor, Purple Heart recipient Marine nephew Jesse Balthaser. We who remain include Paul's great aunt Sitter Rasor, Uncle Gary Rasor (Yovone), mom Jean Rasor, younger brother and fishing partner Terry Rasor (Linda), his much younger sister Nancy Balthaser (Rick), his much, much younger sister Kay Rasor, nephews Mark Rasor (Cara), Todd Rasor (Carrie), wife Annemarie Rasor and treasured son Chad Rasor (Courtney). A celebration of Paul's life will be held on Sunday February 7 at 3:00 pm at West Park United Methodist Church, 89 West Park Avenue, 43222, where family will welcome friends one hour prior to the service. We know many of you have Super Bowl plans, but please stay for a short while following the service to enjoy some Barbershop Quartet singing and two of Paul's favorite meals: “a tall cold glass of Vernors and some pepperoni pizza” or meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, scalloped potatoes and green beans in the church's fellowship hall on the lower level. You should still be home in time for the kickoff! In lieu of flowers, please learn to fish so you can tell a whooper of a “fishing tale”, listen to Barbershop music, cheer louder at the next OSU game, laugh more with your family, live in the moment, seek to know and serve your God better and /or make a contribution to West Park United Methodist Church in Paul's honor.

Paul Richard Rasor

September 16, 1952 - January 24, 2016