Rev. James Edward Lacey

DOE RUN - Rev. James Edward "Jay" Lacey of Doe Run, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2013, at his home in Doe Run at the age of 85 years. He was born January 29, 1928 in St. Francois County, son of the late Walter J. and Margaret (Lovvorn) Lacey. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three sisters, Helen Lacey, Theresa Howell and Barbara Hampton, and two brothers, Stanley Lacey and Starling Lacey. Jay grew up in Southwestern St. Francois County and attended school at the Henson School south of Doe Run. He met and married Elva Vaugh while working at Rice Stix shirt factory in Farmington. The Laceys then moved to Peoria, IL, where Jay was employed at the Caterpillar Company. They then moved back to Missouri where Jay worked for the Kroger Grocery Company. Jay then entered the service and proudly served his country spending two years in Korea with the U.S. Army. Upon his return he again worked for Kroger's until he purchased a grocery store in Doe Run which he and Elva operated for thirteen years then a hardware store also in Doe Run, which they later converted to apartments. Jay also drove a school bus for the local school district. Jay received the call to the gospel ministry and was ordained in the United Baptist Church on May 17, 1964. He then pastored at Bethel United Baptist Church then Bethany United Baptist Church, before pastoring at Pendleton United Baptist Church. Jay served as a full time pastor for 42 years, retiring in 2011. In 1982 Jay began working part time for the Cozean Funeral Home, where he was one of their most valued employees, until he retired due to health reasons. Jay was a member of the Pendleton United Baptist Church, the Farmington V.F.W. and American Legion. In his spare time (of which there was little) he enjoyed reading, hunting, and was known far and wide for his amazing vegetable gardens. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him, including his wife, Elva (Vaugh) Lacey of Doe Run, a brother Robert Lacey, three sisters, Imogene Martin, Maude Barnhouse, and Shirley Starnes, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives Friends may call at the Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory on Monday, June 17, 2013 from 4 p.m to 9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday with Reverends Bob Graham and Ron Hughes officiating. Interment with military honors will be at Doe Run Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Pendleton United Baptist Church. Share your memories and leave condolences online at cozeanfuneralhome.com Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Monday, June 17, 2013 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Funeral Service

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Tuesday, June 18, 2013 10:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Interment Service

Doe Run Memorial Cemetery

Tuesday, June 18, 2013 11:30 AM Doe Run, MO Directions