A longtime law enforcement officer who was most recently a Butler County sheriff's deputy died Monday after a battle with lung cancer.

Lawrence “Randy” Shoup, 63, was remembered as a devoted husband and father, dedicated public servant and a man of faith.

He died at the VNA Hospice in Butler Township.

“He was a great employee and a stellar guy,” said Sheriff Mike Slupe. “He was soft-spoken but to the point. He had a way with people.”

That demeanor, Slupe said, served Shoup well in performing his duties, including his ability to talk wanted people into turning themselves in on warrants.

Shoup in 1975 graduated Mercyhurst College where he earned his criminology degree. More importantly, it is where he met his wife, Suzi. The couple, of Perry Township, Clarion County, celebrated their 40th anniversary in June.

He served the U.S. Army for several years following graduation, during which he worked as a military police officer.

Shoup later joined the state attorney general's office in Butler Township, where he served for 28 years. He worked as a narcotics agent before retiring.

But his career was far from finished. He moved on to the sheriff's office in 2004. He was diagnosed with cancer about a year ago, which hastened his retirement in November.

Spirituality gave Shoup comfort during the past year, said the Rev. Joel Benson, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Center Township, where Shoup was a longtime member.

“His faith helped him and his family cope with his illness,” Benson said.

Along with his wife, Shoup is survived by three daughters and five grandchildren.

His middle child, Megan Miller of Butler, remembered him as a gentle man and a loving father and grandfather. God and family came first, but he also loved his profession.

“He would always say, 'When you have a job you enjoy, it never feels like work,'” Miller said.

But for Shoup, there was one other essential factor in helping the day get off right. “He believed that the way to start every morning,” Miller said, “was a great cup of coffee.”

In keeping with his wishes, his body will be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 23 at Trinity Lutheran Church.