Lasam, Patricia Cochran (1942-1975)

Latest revision as of 15:53, 14 November 2023

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1975 Jan 30 p. 11

Birth date: 1942

text of obituary:

Planned Career As Missionaries

GROTTOES, VA. — Memorial services were conducted at the Mt. Vernon Mennonite Church near here for Sonny Lasam, 36, and his wife, Patricia, 33, both of whom were killed in a two-car crash south of Waynesboro on Jan. 3.

The driver of the other car, which had come into the path of the Lasam auto, was killed also. The couple's sons, Sonny Jr., 11, and Scottie, 7, were both seriously injured. Sonny Jr. is making a good recovery but Scottie remained in a semi-conscious condition at the University Hospital, Charlottesville.

Mr. Lasam, a native of the Philippines, and his wife, from Covington, Va., both became Christians two and a half years ago during tent meetings conducted by George R. Brunk on the campus of Eastern Mennonite College.

"SINCE THAT TIME they had demonstrated remarkable Christian growth, and were faithful members and leaders at the Mt. Vernon Mennonite Church" stated Rev. Eugene K. Souder, pastor of the church.

Mrs. Lasam was baptized on Sept. 24, 1972 and her husband on Dec. 16, 1973. They served as youth leaders and teachers, and both were involved in weekly Bible study groups. Mr. Lasam was assistant Sunday school superintendent and recently had been called to serve as one of five deacons in the church.

Last summer the family made a trip to Mr. Lasam's home community at Solana, Luzon, Philippines. Following the visit the couple felt led to return there as missionaries and agricultural workers. Mr. Lasam enrolled at Blue Ridge Community College, planning an agriculture major, and both planned to take Bible courses at EMC in preparation for their service.

A MEMORIAL fund as been established to send Bibles to the Solana area.

Besides the two sons, Mr. Lasam leaves his parents and seven brothers and sisters at Solana. His wife is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cochran of Covington, and a brother and sister.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1975 Jun 12 p. 6

text of obituary:

Grottoes, Va. — Two hundred fifty copies of the Anglicized Living Bible are on their way to the Philippines as part of a memorial established by the Mt. Vernon Mennonite Church here for Sonny and Patricia Lasam, who were killed in a two-car accident north of Waynesboro on Jan. 3, 1975.

Mr. Lasam was a native of Solana in the Philippines, and the couple were planning to go there as missionaries under the Mennonite church. they were active members of the Mt. Vernon church. Two sons, Bobbet [Sonny Jr. ?], 11, and Scott, 7, survived the accident and are now being cared for by their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cochran, who moved here from Covington, Va.

The Lasam family had visited his homeland last summer and found a strong interest on the part of many in Solana in having a Bible of their own. Since the fatal accident about $900 has been contributed to the memorial fund.