Gary Lloyd Laswell

Gary Lloyd Laswell, 65, of Grove City, OH finished his last race on February 9, 2025. He was born February 20, 1959 in Houston, TX. He was the son of the late Joann and Charles Laswell. 

As a collegiate athlete, he ran track at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX and studied geology. Ever the wanderer and sometimes hitchhiker, Gary landed in Chanute, KS to work with a friend in the energy sector. It was here that he met the love of his life at the Holiday Inn. Melinda and her three sons, Jeffrey, Joshua, and Jacob transformed this wanderer into the steadiest of husbands and fathers. They welcomed their daughter, Chelsea, and the family was complete. 

His love for the outdoors and the value of PLAY showed up in every facet of his life, from the way he raised his kids in the backyard to the way he made memories with friends and family, and the way he took care of his body. 

Though Alzheimer’s ravaged his incredible intellect and robbed him of his memories, it softened Gary in ways few could truly appreciate. He never lost his sense of humor and loved deeper than he ever had at the end of his life. 

Gary was comfortable in his own skin and confident in the way he moved through the world. He was quiet. He was a great listener. He was someone you could trust with your thoughts and feelings and know that they were safe with him. His presence was expansive and will live in those who loved him very much every single day. 

He was carried to the finish line by his wife, Melinda, of 38 years, his daughter, and his great comrade, Amy. 

Gary taught us what it meant to truly LIVE and he will live forever in us.