Charles Blake Lasslett, 84

Charles Blake Lasslett of Post Falls, Idaho, died Dec. 27, 2022. Blake was born April 3, 1938, in Almont, Mich., son of Neva Belle Nelson and John Arthur Lasslett.

Blake grew up in the Almont, Mich., area and married Josephine I. Lasslett in 1956. He was a garden farmer in Capac, Mich., for over 17 years, where he and Josephine raised six children. He attended Detroit Bible College and earned a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies/Pastoral Ministries. While attending college he worked as a finish carpenter/jack of all trades.

In 1973, Blake became the pastor of Thornville Baptist Church in Metamora, Mich., and served there for nine years. In 1981, the family moved to Arizona, where he was Pastor for the Maranatha Baptist Church in Globe, Ariz., for 20 years. After losing his first wife to cancer in 2002, he pursued missionary work in Kenya, Africa, for nearly 10 years. In 2006, he married the gracious Donna Travis from Wenatchee, Wash. Donna spent many years ministering with Blake in Kenya. Donna and Blake moved from Wenatchee, Wash., to Post Falls, Idaho, in 2016 to be near Donna’s family.

Blake had a passion for the well-being of his family and loved to spend time with them. His other passion was to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all he came into conversation with. He also was instrumental in starting the Openhand Children’s Home in Nairobi, Kenya, with Alice Mukui. Openhand provides a permanent home and services for abandoned/orphaned children.

Blake is survived by his wife, Donna; his sister, Janet (Mart) Hartman; and his children: Charles (Laura) Lasslett, Brenda (Wayne) Pirmann, David (Teresa) Lasslett, Connie (Patrick) Tinkam, Judi (Mitch) Zamba, John (Liz) Lasslett; stepchildren: Brent (Kristi) Travis, and Roger (Toni) Travis. His legacy leaves 31 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family (Brenda Pirmann) on behalf of the Openhand Children’s Home, and will be forwarded to Alice Mukui and the organization in Nairobi, Kenya. A part of the building will be named in Blake’s honor.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at Hayden Bible Church (290 E. Miles Ave., Hayden, Idaho 83835). Blake will be buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls. Please visit Blake’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.