A 1948 graduate of Middletown High School, Asher earned the name "Mr. Defense" while playing football for the University of Louisville Cardinals, where he earned a bachelor's degree in physical education, according to his obituary.
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After his university studies, Asher joined the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. He returned home and earned a master’s degree in 1957 at Miami University.
Asher first found education work at Northwestern High School in Springfield, where he became the head coach in football, baseball and basketball while also teaching physical education and social studies, according to his obituary.
Asher then coached and taught at Euclid High School and was named Dayton Daily News Coach of the Year in 1964. Asher eventually became athletic director for Piqua City Schools where he also taught social studies and coached varsity football. He served in multiple roles again at Bellefontaine High School and at Lehman Catholic High School in Sidney.
Credit: JIM RUTLEDGE
Credit: JIM RUTLEDGE
As the head football coach at Lehman Catholic, Asher’s team beat St. Henry, former state champion team that had gone 29-0 until that point.
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His obituary states it was “one of his greatest coaching thrills” during his long career — “Coach will be deeply missed by his loving family and many friends.”
“He will be remembered throughout Ohio and beyond as an excellent teacher, coach, mentor, motivator and family man,” Asher’s obituary reads.
Asher retired from teaching in May 1997. He was inducted into the Ohio High School Football Coach’s Hall of Fame, as well as the Butler County Hall of Fame and the Piqua Athletic Hall of Fame.
Asher was a member of Greene Street United Methodist Church, the Piqua Rotary Club, Border City Luncheon Club and the Golden Boys Golf, according to his obituary.
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Asher is survived by his wife Jo Ann Larick; son Kent Asher; daughter Amy Jo; sister Marianne Harper; grandchildren, Brian (Randi) Asher and Casey Jo (Matt) Patrick; and three great-grandchildren.
A service to honor his life is scheduled at 10 a.m. Thursday at Greene Street United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the athletic departments of Piqua High School, Lehman Catholic High School or Bellefontaine High School.
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