Robert L. Dasher

ARDEN - The Rev. Robert Lewis Dasher, 72, of Arden, child of God, entered the Church Triumphant on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Robert was a loving husband, father and grandfather, who enjoyed time with his grandchildren, golfing buddies, friends and family. He was truly a "people person," whose laughter brought joy to all. A native of Rincon, Ga., he was a son of Lewis Otto and Ruth Irene Coon Dasher. The Rev. Dasher was a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne College (A.B.-1956), Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (M.Div.-1959) and the University of S.C. (M.Ed.). He served as pastor of Lutheran Chapel Lutheran Church, China Grove (1959-63), pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and campus pastor of East Carolina University, both of Greenville (1963-68), Lutheran campus pastor of University of S.C. (1969-84) and assistant to the Bishop for the S.C. Lutheran Synod (1985-96). The Rev. Dasher served his church and community in many areas. He was president of South Rowan County, N.C., and Greenville, N.C., Ministerial Groups (both integrated while president); dean of Central District of N.C. Lutheran Synod-LCA; voting member to LCA Churchwide Assembly and Constituting Assembly of ELCA; voting member to several ELCA assemblies; member of the board of trustees of N.C. Lutheran Homes; chairman of the board of directors of S.C. Central Chapter of American Red Cross and Blood Center; numerous United Way committees; advisory committee to Will Campbell, when he served on the staff of the National Council of Churches during the Civil Rights' struggles; chairman of S.C. Synod's Candidacy Committee; member of the executive board of S.C. Synod-ELCA; member of ELCA Church Council; and president of Lenoir-Rhyne Alumni Association (1995-96). He was the recipient of many honors and awards, including Lutheran Men of S.C. Synod, "Lutheran Man of the Year" (1994) and S.C. Synod Lutheran Church Youth, "Lutheran Champion of Youth." Surviving are his wife, Ann Krider Dasher; a son, Charles Dasher and his children, Jackson and Davis, of Alpharetta, Ga.; and a daughter, Ann Dasher Hendrix, her husband, Boyd, and their children, Robert and Elizabeth, of Lexington, S.C. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Lutheran Church of the Nativity-ELCA. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Oakwood Cemetery in Concord. In lieu of flowers, memorials to one of the following would be appreciated: Lenoir-Rhyne College, Lutheridge+Lutherock Ministries Inc., Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary or Lutheran Church of the Nativity. Asheville Mortuary Service is caring for the Dasher family.