WARSAW — Cassius Alan Rovenstine, whose presence in Kosciusko County shaped the sheriff’s department and Republican Party politics for decades, has died, according to a family member.

He was 81.

Rovenstine was sheriff from 1979 to 1986 and then returned to office from 1991 to 1998.

Austin Rovenstine, a grandson and local attorney, posted a tribute to Al on Facebook, saying he died at 11:20 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 10.

Austin wrote, “My grandfather was one of the greatest men I ever knew. I’ve heard so many stories about his many acts of kindness and his many acts of courage. But never from Grandpa himself – he was always quiet and unassuming, never one to boast.”

Arrangements are being handled by McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel.