Loren Yates Abshier, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and lifelong baseball man, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy measured not only in accomplishments, but in the lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and unwavering love for his family.
Born in Ocala, Florida, on December 29, 1942, Loren attended Lake Weir High School, where his love for baseball began to take shape. He was a gifted pitcher with a natural talent for the game, but those who knew him best would say that some of his greatest victories happened far beyond the baseball diamond.
Loren continued his baseball career at Manatee Junior College, where he played in two College World Series. He then went on to Georgia Southern, competing in two NAIA World Series. His talent and dedication eventually led to being drafted by the Colt .45s, the franchise that would later become the Houston Astros.
Baseball remained a thread running through Loren’s entire life. Even after his playing days were over, he never stopped being a baseball man. He was there to cheer on his sons and grandchildren, whether they were playing on a ballfield, taking swings in the backyard batting cage, or continuing their careers in college. When they were away at school, Loren made sure he could watch their games online. He never wanted to miss an inning.
But Loren’s greatest team was always his family.
He was a loving husband to Dee Anne Abshier and a devoted father and grandfather. He was always there to support his children and grandchildren, encouraging them, showing up for them, and celebrating their accomplishments. Whether it was traveling to Texas with Lanny and the boys for deer-hunting trips, fishing in the ponds, attending pageants throughout Florida to watch Landrea compete, or spending countless hours around baseball, Loren made memories simply by being present.
Loren had a way of making people feel welcome. He never met a stranger. He was funny, warmhearted, and always seemed to have a kind word and a smile ready for anyone who crossed his path. His generosity of spirit made people feel like they had known him for years.
Outside of baseball and family, Loren enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and keeping his yard looking its best. He took particular pride in his garden and his prized tomatoes. He even loved mowing the lawn, a simple pleasure that suited a man who appreciated hard work, being outdoors, and taking care of the things that mattered to him.
Professionally, Loren owned an insulation company before transitioning into insulation sales. In sales, he found another way to connect with people. He loved establishing lasting relationships with his customers, and those relationships were a reflection of the same qualities he brought to everything else in life: honesty, friendliness, and genuine care for others.
Loren is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Dee Anne Abshier; his children, Lanny Abshier, along with his wife, Diana, and their children, Caleb Abshier and his wife, Jenna, and Camden Abshier; Landrea Skinner, and her daughters, Rylan Chubon and Kaylen Skinner; and Lance Abshier, along with his wife, Dama, and their children, Landon, Logan, and Laine Abshier.
For a man who spent so much of his life around baseball, perhaps the best way to describe Loren’s life is that he played every inning with heart. He showed up for his family. He showed up for his friends. He showed up for the people who needed him. He gave encouragement when it was needed, laughter when it was welcome, and love without hesitation.
His statistics on the baseball field may be recorded in history, but the true measure of Loren’s life cannot be found in a scorebook. It lives in the memories of his family, in the stories shared around the dinner table, in the fishing ponds, on hunting trips, in the garden, at the ballfields, and in every person who was lucky enough to receive one of his smiles.
Loren’s final inning has come, but his legacy will continue long after the final out.
He was a great pitcher, a devoted family man, and an even better human being.
And when the scoreboard of life is finally read, Loren’s family and friends will know one thing for certain:
He left it all on the field.
Game well played, Loren. You will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
