John Rasnic

John Rasnic of Indian Lake Estates passed away Friday, October 14, 2011 at the Lake Wales Medical Center.

He was born February 5, 1943 in Pennington Gap, VA to the late Roy Morgan and Callie Margaret (Brooks) Rasnic. He retired to Florida from Northern Virginia in 2001.

Survivors include his wife Jeanne Rasnic, daughters, Beckie Shaw (Mike) and Nikki Bernet (Greg), both of Mt. Pleasant, SC and son Jack Rasnic; step-daughter Laura Earley (Tim) of Ashland, VA; step-sons Randy Hevener of Banner Elk, NC and Scott Hevener (Linda) of Colonial Heights, VA; sister, Betsy Huddleston (Richard) of Wyboo Plantation, SC; sister-in-law Shelvia McMillan (Will) of Sandston VA, widow of James Rasnic; 2 grandchildren, Olivia and Iain Shaw; 6 step-grandchildren Timmy and Lauren Earley; Andrew Hevener; Cody, Curtis and Jacob Hevener.

John grew up on a farm in Southwest Virginia and was proud of his country roots and the ability to birth a cow, neuter a hog, or tend to general farming duties. His parents were educators so he learned early in life the value of knowledge and was blessed with an incredible mind.

John was a lover of music. He played trumpet, piano, guitar, drums, and sang in a dance band during his high school and college years.

John graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. After seven years running the Fairfax County Health Department for the State of Virginia he was asked to join the newly formed Environmental Protection Agency in 1970 and became the second person inducted into that Agency. During his career at EPA he played a vital role in the enforcement and compliance of the laws and policies governing air pollution control. He was selected into the US Government Senior Executive Services and by retirement he was a top executive in the Washington D.C. EPA headquarters serving as Director of Manufacturing, Energy, and Transportation. He traveled extensively to foreign countries and was highly respected by governments of those countries in his ability to help their environmental causes. He was pleased to be asked and was instrumental in working with President Clinton on the Middle East Peace talks in the 1990's. John believed strongly in conserving our natural resources and supported many of those causes.

In his retirement years, he and Jeanne owned and ran a Mini Mall and Motel complex and he co-founded and owned a propane conversion business. He also continued as a consultant with his government experience by traveling the United States to present his programs.

The family will be greeting guests at 2:00 Sunday, October 23, 2011 at Capernaum Church, 6911 Deland Avenue in Indian Lake Estates followed at 3:00 by A Celebration of Life service. An Open House will be held at the Rasnic resident following the Celebration of Life service.

Donations may be made to the Psoriasis Foundation, the Cancer Society, the Liver Foundation, the Kidney Foundation, or the Diabetes Foundation.