Charleston’s former mayor Larry Rennels died June 25, 2015.

Many people mourned his death, such as residents of Charleston and those who worked closely with them.

His death was especially sad to those in Charleston, as he had been a Charleston resident for his whole life, and an active resident at that.

Many people live their whole lives without making a difference in their hometowns.

Rennels was not one of those people; along with being an influential leader, he was also a passionate member of his church in addition to  having run his former family business, Rennels TV & Appliance.

As his pastor, Ken Hoover said in a June 25 article on The Daily Eastern News’ website, serving was clearly an integral part of Rennels’ life, whether he was serving his constituents, his religion or the members of the Charleston community at large.

Rennels also extended his involvement to Eastern, as he was a vocal presence at many Community Coffee Hour forums and even declared a President Bill Perry Day before the former president retired.

To those who worked at The News, Rennels’ death was unexpected.

In interviews, he was polite and informative, and at meetings, he was efficient and friendly, giving everyone who wanted it a chance to speak. 

The relationship between journalists and authority figures can, in some cases, be difficult, but Rennels did his best to keep people safe while still giving out the information community members needed.

He struck a balance between his duty to public service and the need to keep people informed, and we at The News commend him for his professionalism and ability to lead, even in difficult situations.

For example, Rennels and the City Council faced criticism for passing a resolution in April that supported some of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s right-to-work reforms.

Though the council should not have passed such a resolution on the consent agenda without debate, Rennels was open to allowing community members to voice their opposition.

The resolution was revised, voted on again and eventually failed. Rennels was not afraid to take charge and lead the city in new directions, but he also listened when the community had something to say, even if it went against his original plan.

He certainly had his experience to guide his decisions, as he had been council member for 16 years before being elected mayor in 2013.

It is often hard to go on with the responsibilities of daily life and doing what needs to be done in the wake of the death of someone who is as influential and respected in the community as Rennels was.

However, the city of Charleston has dealt with these responsibilities well, and has chosen a new mayor, mayor pro-term, and council member in a dignified way that Rennels would have been proud of.

We at The News wish the city council members and everyone in the city the best in working during this time of transition and change.