Richard L. "Skip" Lay

1942 - 2023

Richard L. "Skip" Lay, 80, of Lewistown, Missouri went to his heavenly home at 11:25 pm on Tuesday (February 7, 2023) at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. He was a beloved husband, father, papa, brother and friend.

The son of Russell and Nellie (Downs) Lay was born on August 11, 1942 near Benjamin. He married the love of his life Linda Kessler on September 6, 1964.

Skip was a faithful man of the Lord. He and his wife Linda enjoyed Jimmy Swaggart Ministry church services at their home.

Early in his career Skip worked on constructing homes and businesses. Later in his life he was a heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed working on the bulldozer most of all. He enjoyed building terraces for local farmers.

He did not know a stranger and was loved by all who knew him. Most of his mornings were spent at the gas station visiting with friends. Skip loved the outdoors. He grew a large garden each year. A few of his favorite hobbies included feeding and watching the squirrels and birds in his yard, hunting for arrowheads and mushrooms, fishing, spending time with his wife on their porch swing and time with his family. He served as mayor of Lewistown for a short time, President of the Lewistown Cemetery Association and Lewistown Senior Housing Board. He was proud of his construction jobs he had done, a few of those included his home, the Lewistown shelter house, and the work he did on family's homes.

He is survived by his wife, Linda. Two sons, Richie (Melissa) Lay and Randy (Mindy) Lay all of Lewistown. Grandchildren, Alexis (Dillon) Sparks, Ashlynn (Matt) Bennett, Isabella (Bryson) Ledbetter, Samantha (Thomas) McGraw, Addison, Aidan and Abby Lay. Great-grandchildren Eli, Luke and Gabriel Sparks, Aria Bennett, and expecting baby boy Ledbetter. Step great grandson Garrick Farthing. Siblings, Joan Spurgeon, Kay Webster, Ronnie Lay, Larry (Cheryl) Lay, and Terry (Diane) Lay, sister in-law, Norma Lay and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Wilma Harris and Bennie Lay, brother in-law Chuck Webster.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Arnold's Funeral Home in Lewistown, Missouri with Rev. Ted Middleton officiating. Burial will be in the Lewistown Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Monday evening from 4 until 8 PM at Arnold's Funeral Home in Lewistown.

Memorials may be made to the Lewistown Park or the Lewistown Cemetery Association.

Pallbearers: Dillon Sparks, Matt Bennett, Bryson Ledbetter, Thomas McGraw, Addison and Aidan Lay.

Honorary Pallbearers: Terry Lay, Ronnie Lay, Larry Lay, Joan Spurgeon, Kay Webster, Earl Kemp, Tyler Shirey, John Simmons and Toby Simmons.

Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldsfuneralhome.net