(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)Louis John Molinar, age 83, of Joplin, Missouri went home to be with the Lord on November 5, 2025. He was born on February 13, 1942, in Frontenac, Kansas, to Louis and Angelina (Casella) Molinar.
On February 26, 1977, Louis married the love of his life, Jo Ann (Hughes) Molinar, in Joplin, Missouri. Together they shared more than 46 years together before Jo Ann’s passing in 2023.
Lou spent his career as a Marketing Representative with Federated Insurance, where he built lasting friendships and took great pride in helping others. His dedication and success earned him numerous incentive trips, allowing him and Jo Ann to travel and explore new places together. They passed their love on to their children through unforgettable trips and adventures. Lou retired from Federated in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and connection.
Anyone that knew Lou, knew he was passionate about three things: His Family, His Patriotism, and Christmas. These weren’t just interests—they were reflections of his values.
Lou’s deep love for his country was something he celebrated with joy and pride. Together with Jo Ann, he hosted spectacular Fourth of July gatherings that became famous in Joplin. Preparation for these events often took days, including special trips to Springfield for the big fireworks.
What began as modest backyard celebrations soon blossomed into grand events, sometimes drawing crowds of up to 150 guests. The younger adults took charge of the fireworks, wielding torches, sacrificing shirts to stray sparks, and diving into the pond for protection.
These parties were more than just festivities—they were cherished traditions. Laughter echoed, memories were made, and guests always left looking forward to the next year.
Over 35 years ago, Lou began a tradition that would come to light up more than just his front yard—it lit up the hearts of Joplin. Each Christmas season, he carefully placed trees adorned with classic C9 bulbs along the yard, ensuring their glow reflected off the pond and could be seen from the road.
Anyone that knew Lou, knew he was passionate about three things: His Family, His Patriotism, and Christmas. These weren’t just interests—they were reflections of his values.
Lou’s deep love for his country was something he celebrated with joy and pride. Together with Jo Ann, he hosted spectacular Fourth of July gatherings that became famous in Joplin. Preparation for these events often took days, including special trips to Springfield for the big fireworks.
What began as modest backyard celebrations soon blossomed into grand events, sometimes drawing crowds of up to 150 guests. The younger adults took charge of the fireworks, wielding torches, sacrificing shirts to stray sparks, and diving into the pond for protection.
These parties were more than just festivities—they were cherished traditions. Laughter echoed, memories were made, and guests always left looking forward to the next year.
Over 35 years ago, Lou began a tradition that would come to light up more than just his front yard—it lit up the hearts of Joplin. Each Christmas season, he carefully placed trees adorned with classic C9 bulbs along the yard, ensuring their glow reflected off the pond and could be seen from the road.
What started as a personal expression of his love for Christmas soon became a beloved Joplin tradition. For Lou, it wasn’t just about the lights—it was about giving something back, creating beauty and joy for friends, family and passersby.
Even in 2011, after the tornado damaged their home, Lou remained steadfast in his commitment to the community. That year, perhaps more than any other, he felt the town needed a sense of normalcy and hope. And so, he put up the trees—because that’s who Lou was.
Lou’s Italian heritage was the cornerstone of his unwavering devotion to family. For him, family wasn’t just important—it was the heart of everything. But Lou’s definition of family extended far beyond bloodlines. It was built through love, loyalty, and the moments shared across kitchen tables, backyards, and holidays. If you were part of Lou’s world, you were family.
Lou was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Louis and Angelina Molinar; his sister, Esther Elliott; wife, Jo Ann Molinar; and son, Kevin McBee. He is survived by his children, Jay McBee and his wife Julie, Michele Strickland and her husband Flynn, John Molinar and his wife Susan, Melissa Barrett and her husband Craig. Lou also leaves behind ten grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Lou's sense of humor, warmth, and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held at Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin, Mo. on Tuesday, November 11th at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7:15 p.m. A funeral Mass will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, with interment to follow at Osborn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Porta Caeli House at Catholic Charities in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in honor of Lou’s memory.
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