Two Republican politicians in Delaware County – one county council member and one candidate for city council – died unexpectedly this week.

Jane Lasater

Jane Lasater (Delaware County Republican Party on Facebook)

The Albany resident was 83 and her family said she was hospitalized last weekend and died after a brief illness.

At her death, Lasater served on the Delaware County Council.  The Delaware County Republican Party says Lasater won her first election in 1982 and “never lost a race.”

She served in several county roles through her career, including treasurer, auditor, recorder, and as a township trustee.

Indiana law says the Republican party will call a caucus – usually within 30 days – to appoint someone to fill Lasater’s current term.

Marwin Strong

Marwin Strong (Delaware County Republican Party on Facebook)

The Muncie native was 46 and a longtime anti-crime advocate.  He was running for an at-large seat on the Muncie City Council as a Republican, after running in previous elections as a Democrat.

His cause of death has not been announced.

He founded the organization Enough is Enough to help local youth and curb violence and drug addiction in Muncie.

During the pandemic, he also published a book about the obstacles he overcame during his life, called “Back From the Shadows of Death.”  He had plans to turn his story into a movie.

The Delaware County Republican Party praised his “infectious smile and caring attitude.”