Alphonse Laiben
Alphonse Laiben, 85, of Zanesville, died at 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 17, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri, a son of the late Alfonse L. and Mary Eva (Partney) Laiben. Alphonse was a man defined by his generosity, kindness and his deep appreciation for the simple joys around him. He was a Catholic by faith and passed his love of the Lord down to his family. A heart for service, he volunteered his time in service to our country through the Air National Guard and he attended Washington University in St. Louis, obtaining his bachelor’s degree. He was an avid outdoorsman, he found peace in nature. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and walking through the woods, where he delighted in watching birds and deer. He had the ability to grow absolutely anything and instilled in his family a lasting love and respect for nature. Alphonse was a gifted teacher in life. He seemed to know how to fix anything and was always eager to share his knowledge, time, and talents with others. He was quietly generous, he enjoyed giving freely without ever seeking recognition or credit. Above all Alphonse deeply loved his family, especially his daughters, who were his pride and joy. He remained childlike, loved the Christmas season, had a serious sweet tooth, and always gave up watermelon for lent. His legacy will live on through the values he passed down, he will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Eudilyn (Balan) Laiben whom he married September 28, 2016; daughters, Candace Michele (John) Schafsnitz, Regina Marie (Trinidad) Cano, and Patricia Margaret Laiben; step daughter, Kayecze Mercado; brother Michael (Holly) Laiben; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren and two more on the way; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his siblings, Jacqueline Laiben, Joan (Bob) Simpson, Samuel Laiben, Jim (Norma Jean) Laiben, Mary Jane (Bob) Luhn, Winifred “Winnie” (Don) Boyd.
Friends and family may call from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 925 E Main Street, Zanesville, OH, with Father David Young as celebrant.
To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.
