Arthur Vance Stayer

Arthur Vance Stayer, 94, of Odessa passed into the Lord's presence in his home on May 29, 2025. He was born in La Verne, CA, on April 15, 1931, son of the late Arthur Bernon and Ruth Alice (Fyock) Stayer.

Arthur made the most important decision in his life when he asked Jesus to be his Savior at 8 years old. He married Marie Naser in 1957; they were married for 67 years. During his first year of college at Cal Poly he prayed and committed his life to the Lord's service, not knowing that God would soon call him to the Navajo Gospel Mission at Orabi, Arizona. He served there until 1966 when he moved his family to a farm in Miller, South Dakota. In 1978 he bought a home in Stockton, Illinois, as well as property in the country to subdivide and build homes on. Throughout his life Arthur used his God given talents to provide for his family. He preached, sold real estate, repaired cars, taught autobody repair at a vocational center, and did electrical, construction, and HVAC work. He also started an agriculture program at Sunshine Bible Academy in South Dakota. In 1999 he built the home in Odessa, Missouri where he and Marie lived until his death.

Throughout his life he enjoyed ministering to others both spiritually and with his mechanical gifts. During the final years of his life, he treasured visits from his children, grandchildren and friends. Arthur often recounted what a blessing God had given him in his family. It was a delight to see the joy his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him. There is comfort in knowing that Arthur's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the memories that will be cherished forever.

Arthur was preceded in death by two brothers, George and Wayne, a sister, Dorothy, and two grandchildren, Isaac and Linda Marie.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Marie, 6 Children: Carlton (Laurinda) Stayer, Johneth (Karen) Stayer, Daniel (Samantha) Stayer, Janet (Scott) Goldsmith, Charlene (Mark) Huntington and Melanie (Dustin) Millsap, 22 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, one brother, Lewis, and many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

There will be a visitation from 4:00-4:45 PM, followed by a Memorial Service (https://www.youtube.com/@leessummitbiblechurch5289) at 5:00 PM on Sunday, June 15, at Lee's Summit Bible Church, 1200 NE Colbern Rd in Lee's Summit, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Arthur Vance's memory may be made to Whispering Winds Bible Camp (https://bibleimpact.org/arthur-vance-stayer/).