Dr. Robert Eugene Laster Jr.'s Obituary
Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Robert Eugene Laster, Junior passed away surrounded by his family on January 24, 2025 after a brief illness.
Robert was born to Mildred and Eugene Laster on August 12, 1946 in Memphis, Tennessee. He knew as a child that he wanted to be a doctor and with the encouragement of his uncle, Dr. Howard Akers and his grandparents, Charles and Nellie Akers, he worked hard to achieve that goal. Robert graduated from Memphis State University in 1967 and attended medical school at the University of Tennessee. Following his training, he served in the United States Army from 1975 to 1977 first as Staff Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco and then as Chief of Radiology, 121st Hospital in Seoul, Korea. He dedicated much of his career to training others to become radiologists as the Director of the University of Tennessee/Methodist Healthcare Radiology Residency program. He had a passion for teaching and always had time to talk through a case and review imaging with a coworker.
Robert was known for his unwavering kindness, strong work ethic and his deep love for his family. Humble about his own accomplishments, he found great joy in those around him succeeding and learning. He dedicated his life to supporting those around him and always had a smile on his face. He was an eternal optimist, and it was impossible to be in a bad mood around him, he would always lift spirits with a funny story, joke or with a kind word that came so naturally from him.
Robert was a man of many hobbies, as an avid photographer, he enjoyed his days out on Horseshoe Lake capturing sunrise and sunset photos and was an active member of the Memphis Photography Club. He truly enjoyed the comradery and friendship of fellow photographers. He also cherished traveling with his wife, Dianne, whether it was with the family to the beach or on one of their trips other parts of the world. Robert found joy in exploring new destinations and making lasting memories with those he loved most.
Robert loved people and always made deep connections throughout his life. He could go anywhere and have a friend. He and Dianne enjoyed their many friends, from dinner club to the Live at the Garden group he cherished these friendships as he enjoyed his retirement years.
Robert was a devout husband and family man. He enjoyed attending baseball, volleyball, soccer and football games for his grandchildren along with cheering them on as they accomplished things both inside and outside of the classroom. Sunday dinners and long weekends at the lake will not be the same, but Robert’s memory will be with his wife, children and grandchildren as they honor memories and traditions that they created together at a family.
Robert was preceded in death by his son, Robert Christopher Laster. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dianne Rose Laster and his children and their families: Jane Finneran (Mark) Germantown, TN Graham Laster (Katy) and his five grandchildren, William Finneran, Kiki Finneran, Jack Laster, Clay Laster and Ben Laster along with an extended loving family.
The family invites friends to gather Saturday February 1, 2025, for visitation from 2:00pm until 4:00pm with services to follow at 4:00pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery 5668 Poplar Ave Memphis, Tn 38119
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?