Obituary of Armel Eugene Lashley, Jr.
Armel Eugene Lashley, Jr., affectionately known as Armel, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey. He was 61 years old.
Armel was born on May 30, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, to his loving parents, Armel Eugene Lashley, Sr., and Augusta M. Jones Lashley. At the age of four, his family moved to Plainfield, New Jersey, the place he would always consider home. Though he and his family lived in Virginia and Minnesota for periods of time, Plainfield remained the heart of his life, and it was where he resided at the time of his passing.
A lifelong learner, Armel attended Bucks County Community College and had a deep passion for history and science. He especially enjoyed studying historical wars and battles and was always eager to share his knowledge with his family and friends. Armel was also an avid chess player, known for his strategic mind and love of the game.
For several years, Armel worked as a sump pump operator for the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority before retiring. Retirement allowed him to fully embrace one of his greatest passions—fishing. Coming from a family of dedicated fishermen, Armel found joy in every aspect of the sport, from freshwater fishing in Minnesota to deep-sea saltwater excursions whenever the opportunity arose. His love for the water and the thrill of the catch never faded.
In addition to his intellectual pursuits and love for fishing, Armel was an incredibly skilled handyman. His talents in plumbing, carpentry, and painting were well-known among his family and friends. He had a natural ability to fix just about anything and was always willing to lend a hand. His sister fondly remembers the countless times he helped her with projects around her home. One of his most impressive feats was disassembling and reassembling an entire car engine, a testament to his ingenuity and mechanical skills.
Above all else, Armel was a caring and generous man who valued family above all. He took great pride in sharing his knowledge and skills with those around him, always looking for ways to help. His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Armel is survived by his beloved daughter, Jessica Durant, and her husband, Dwayne; his devoted sister, Linda L. Lashley; and his cherished grandchildren, Zoey Durant, Jayden Durant, and Sameerah Carver. He was predeceased by his son, Faraad Kelly, in 2024.
Armel’s legacy of kindness, wisdom, and generosity will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home, commencing at 2:00 p.m. Cremation services will be held privately.
