(From Parker Mortuary) Lester E. Lay, age 89 of Joplin, Missouri made his journey to his heavenly home while surrounded by his sweet family on February 24, 2023.
Lester was born in Delaware, Oklahoma to the late Marshall and Bessie Swayze Lay. Lester was a bivocational minister with the Community of Christ church. His ministry included serving as pastor in the Joplin church for several years.
Later, being ordained to the office of Evangelist, his ministry expanded its reach throughout the region, and he developed a close relationship with the church in Tahiti. He has lived and worked throughout Joplin, eventually retiring as an Engineer from Empire District Electric Company after 38 years of service.
Having retired from Empire, his availability allowed him and his wife to accept the ministry offer to serve as caregivers at the church campgrounds in Racine, MO where they and their family had attended numerous church camps throughout the years.
Lester loved the Lord, and his passion was to serve and tell others the good news of Jesus Christ. He taught and modeled the teachings of Christ in his everyday actions and words. His faith in God was one of his greatest strengths and was able to teach others to develop their own faith to help them through their trials. He never knew a stranger and had no enemies. Lester would be known by many as a ‘jack of all trades,’ being able to put about anything together with his hands. As an engineer, you could be ensured that everything was done meticulously and with the greatest precision, or he would start over until it was done right.
Lester loved the Lord, and his passion was to serve and tell others the good news of Jesus Christ. He taught and modeled the teachings of Christ in his everyday actions and words. His faith in God was one of his greatest strengths and was able to teach others to develop their own faith to help them through their trials. He never knew a stranger and had no enemies. Lester would be known by many as a ‘jack of all trades,’ being able to put about anything together with his hands. As an engineer, you could be ensured that everything was done meticulously and with the greatest precision, or he would start over until it was done right.
On August 24, 1952, Lester married his loving wife, Patsy Riley in Skiatook, Oklahoma. Lester is survived by Patsy at their home in Joplin.
Additional survivors include two sons, Joseph Lay and wife, Tammie of Independence, Missouri, Patrick Lay and wife, Tricia of New York, New York; daughter, Julie Lay of Joplin; brothers, Jerry Lay and wife, Phyllis of Southern Oklahoma, Jimmy Lay and wife, Tammy of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Bobby Lay and wife Debra of Rockport, Texas; 10 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 2:00pm at the Ozark Camp & Retreat Center, 10355 Eland Rd, Neosho, MO 64850.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 2:00pm at the Ozark Camp & Retreat Center, 10355 Eland Rd, Neosho, MO 64850.
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