Lester “Joe” Laney, age 81, of Purdy, Missouri.

Lester “Joe” Laney, age 81, of Purdy, Missouri passed away Monday, September 9, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born April 16, 1943 in Washburn, Missouri the son of William Spearman and Fern Marie (Shields) Laney. On September 20, 1969 in Granby, Missouri he was united in marriage to Kathy Charlton, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Rickie Joe Laney and his wife Angela of Purdy, Missouri and Aaron Todd Laney and his wife Stephanie of Neosho, Missouri; two daughters, Missy Allphin and her husband Darren of Stark City, Missouri and Katina Laney and her husband Jamey Pierce of Granby, Missouri; two sisters, Lorene Dotson of Purdy, Missouri and Dortha Belle Woolaway of Fairview, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Betty Laney and Mardell Laney; nine grandchildren, Josh (Venus) Laney , Cory (Emily) Howard, Kyli (Andrew) Hightower, Laura Laney, Ranysha (Armando Castilleja II) Pierce, Kennadi (Allen) Erwin, Darrion (Kirstin) Pierce. Fallon (Robert) Kenny, and Lexi Laney and 23 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; four brothers, Charles Laney, Jerry Laney, Dayton Laney, and Tom Laney and two sisters, Donna Smith, and Elizabeth Ellison.

Joe grew up and attended school in Washburn, Missouri graduating from Washburn High School. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he was employed by ICI Explosives in Joplin, Missouri where he devoted 18 years before retiring. Joe was a respected figure on the Granby City Council and Wheaton School Board. Joe loved to fish, build things with his own hands and tinker around with anything that he thought he could fix. He loved flowers and plants and tried his hand at anything that he thought he could make grow. His passion for sports led him to coaching summer baseball and softball teams for his kids. One of his greatest joys was being able to go with Kathy and attend the sporting events, programs, and school functions of his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids, even making it possible to travel to many states supporting his girls’ pageants and dance-twirl competitions over the years. Joe's heart was with his family, loving every moment spent with them. Joe will be deeply missed and forever remembered. He was of the Baptist faith.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice Compassus and caregivers Julie, Dana, Shante, and Spring for their exceptional support and care in Joe's final days.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, September 14, 2024 at McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton. Pastor Russell Bishop will conduct the services. Burial with military honors will be at Allphin Family Cemetery in Stark City, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 PM Friday at McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton.

Contributions may be made to Table Rock Quilts of Honor in memory of Joe.

Visit www.fohnfuneralhome.com for online obituaries, guestbook and private condolences.