Former Apollo High School Principal Rick Lasley died Wednesday at the age of 55.
Lasley served 32 years in education, with roles as teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal at several area schools. He spent 6 years as Apollo’s principal before retiring in May 2022.
In a 2022 interview with Owensboro Times, Lasley said: “There is absolutely nothing at all that I’ve ever experienced like the Eagle family. … The places that I had worked with before were close — obviously, they took care of each other — but there’s something about the Eagle family that is hard to describe until you’ve been here and worked here and been a part of it.”
A portion of Lasley’s obituary reads, “He believed in the promise of public education and had a great passion for serving others.”
That was evidenced when schools returned to in-person classes following the pandemic. With a shortage of cafeteria workers, Lasley stepped in to aid as a cashier.
Current Apollo principal Bob Dych said: “Apollo is certainly going to miss Mr. Lasley. He was a great leader that saw us through challenging times. He was principal during COVID, which was certainly something none of us had ever been through before. We’re sorry for the loss of him and certainly keep his family in our prayers and thoughts. He’ll be missed.”
Charles Broughton, who served as Apollo principal from 2010-16 and is currently the Daviess County Public Schools Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, said: “I just saw Rick as the consummate professional, someone that truly, truly cared about kids, was advocating for kids, advocating for education, and was just committed to the cause. Not only was he a tremendous human being, he was a tremendous educator. He was a loss (to the school) when he retired, and now he’s a loss to us with his passing.”
Dale Stewart, who served as Apollo principal from 1973 – 2001 and is currently a DCPS board member, added: “Rick did a fantastic job. The shame of it is he had an illness shortly after he left Apollo and he didn’t have the ability to enjoy his retirement. He was an Eagle family member, and it’s a sad day.”
DCPS Superintendent Matt Robbins said: “Rick was very experienced, very knowledgeable, and would tend to raise a question or two because he analyzed things and did such a good job for us in that regard. Retirement is a spot where everybody aspires to get to. He began with his illness roughly two months following his retirement and battled throughout … and it’s just heartbreaking.”
Lasley also spent time at St. Romuald, Cloverport, and Hancock County schools. He also wrote two books about the importance of, and challenges to, the public education system.
Lasley is survived by his wife, Angela Camp Lasley; his children Todd, Troy, Lauren, and Aaron Lasley; his parents Anthony and Sheila Lasley; a sister Lynn & Thomas Bartrum; along with several nieces and nephews.
Services for Lasley are scheduled for January 20. Read Lasley’s full obituary, including information on services, here.
