Obituary of Patrick Alvin Laster

Patrick A. Laster, Sr., 80, of Lexington, South Carolina passed away August 27, 2017 at Lexington Medical Center, Lexington, South Carolina. He was born on March 17, 1937 in Coushatia, Louisiana to the late William M. and Bessie Mae (Robinson) Laster. After serving his country for 25 years, Mr. Laster began his career with Southern Railroad where he retired after 30 years. While serving in the United States Air Force, Patrick served in Vietnam as a member of the 819 Red Horse Squadron, who were one of the first squadrons to land at Phu Cat, Vietnam. After his tour in Vietnam, he returned to the states where he was a recruiter for many years and received numerous awards for his performance. After retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Laster pursued his love for trains by joining Southern Railroad. He collected train memorabilia and rare coins as a hobby. Patrick spent many afternoons with his son fishing on Lake Murray. One of Mr. Laster's greatest passions was his love for animals. Patrick is survived by his son Patrick A. Laster, Jr. and his wife Rebecca of Lexington, a daughter; Katherine Laster Hoover of Lexington, SC, 7 grandchildren, Patrick and Lucas Laster, Caitlyn and Samantha Laster, Jessica Hoover, Caroline and Kevin Laster, Jr., 4 great-grandchildren, Alexandria Hoover, Morgen and Jason Hoover Jr., and Kori Hoover, and his best friend and canine companion, Lucky. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Christine E. Gibson Laster, his son, Kevin Andrew Laster, Sr., a grandson, Jason Corey Hoover, and 9 brothers and sisters. The family will receive friends at Woodridge Funeral Home on Friday, September 1, 2017 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm with a funeral service following at the gazebo by the lake. Interment will be at Woodridge Memorial Park in Lexington. Memorials may be made to the Animal Mission of The Midlands. www.animalmission.org.