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Charles R. “Chuck” Asher Jr, 88, of Piqua, passed away Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, at StoryPoint Assisted Living. He was born April 30, 1930, in Middletown to the late Charles R. Sr. and Helen Reed Asher. He married Jo Ann Larick on Aug. 6, 1955, in Franklin and she survives.
Other survivors include son, Kent Asher of Carey; daughter, Amy Jo (David) Carr of Piqua; sister, Marianne Harper of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Brian (Randi) Asher and Casey Jo (Matt) Patrick; and three great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by a brother, Bob Asher.
Chuck graduated from Middletown High School in 1948. He graduated and earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Louisville, where he had a remarkable career as a lineman for the Uof L Cardinals, gaining the nickname “Mr. Defense.” He then proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a corporal.
Following his honorable service, he attended Miami University-Oxford where he graduated in 1957 with a master’s degree in physical education. He became the head football, baseball, basketball coach and physical education and social studies teacher for Northwestern High School in Springfield. He then became the assistant football coach and physical education and social studies teacher at Euclid High School. In 1964 he was named Dayton Daily News Coach of the Year. He then became the athletic director for Piqua City Schools, supervising all sports programs at the junior high and high school levels. He changed positions in Piqua City Schools to become the head football coach and social studies teacher. He then became assistant principal, athletic director and head coach for Bellefontaine High School.
Chuck then became the head football coach and history and physical education teacher for Lehman Catholic High School. While coaching at Lehman, one of his greatest coaching thrills in his 41 years as a coach was winning against the former state champion St. Henry team which had been 29-0 until the contest with his Lehman Cavaliers team.
Inducted into the University of Louisville Hall of Fame in 1981, he was inducted into the Butler County Hall of Fame in 1995, and also was inducted into the Ohio High School football coach’s Hall of Fame and Piqua Athletic Hall of Fame.
He retired from teaching in May 1997. He was a member of Greene Street United Methodist Church, the Piqua Rotary Club, Border City Luncheon Club and the Golden Boys Golf. He will be remembered throughout Ohio and beyond as an excellent teacher, coach, mentor, motivator and family man. Coach will be deeply missed by his loving family and many friends.
A service to honor his life begins at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, at Greene Street United Methodist Church, Piqua, with Pastor Will Leasure officiating. Visitation is from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home in Piqua.
Memorial contributions may be made to the athletic departments of Piqua High School, 1 Indian Trail, Piqua, OH 45356; Lehman Catholic High School, 2400 St. Mary’s Ave., Sidney, OH 445365; and Bellefontaine High School, 555 E. Lake St., Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
Express condolences at jamiesonandyannucci.com.