Otis Neal Lay

Otis Neal Lay

OTIS NEAL LAY ~ Pioneer Citizen

Otis Neal Lay was born April 26, 1874 in Lawrence county, Tennessee, and passed away at his home in Verden, September 5, 1933, after an illness of over a year. He was 59 years, four months and ten days old.

He was united in marriage to Mrs. Hattie V. Rose, November 26, 1903. Mr. Lay came to Oklahoma 33 years ago, having resided in Verden and surrounding communities here during this time. At an early age he became a member of the Methodist church which he was very faithful to.

He believed in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. He believed that the man who scatters flowers in the pathway of his fellow man, who lets into the dark places of life the sunshine of human sympathy and human happiness, is following in the footsteps of his Master.

His last words were an expression of peace in God and a willingness to depart and to be at rest with him.

His cheerful, helpful life; his devotion to his wife and family and kindness to everybody will long linger as a fragrant memory in the home which his presence brightened and which death has now darkended. Though he is gone his record has been made and will remain with us as a lasting treasure. His life was gentle, but like the still waters it was deep. In his heart of hearts he carried those he loved, and his hand was never weary, his step never failed in caring for and ministering to those who were in any way dependent upon him.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist church at 230 o'clock. Rev. J. J. Methvin officiated and paid a beautiful tribute to the memory of the deceased. Rev. Methvin was assisted by the Rev. Andres Martinez and H. E. Snodgrass. The casket was covered with the most beautiful floral designs loving fingers ever wrought, all of which spoke of peace, purity and immortality. Very impressive music was rendered by a quartet composed of F. G. Ransbarger, Mrs. Ed Peters, Mrs. R. M. Caldwell and Clifford Bell.

The pall bearers were Sherman Hostick, Ed Peters, Jim Smith, Berry Smith, C. R. Dahms and K. G. Whitley.

Besides a devoted wife he leaves one son, Walter Lay of Verden, two daughters, Mrs. Ruth Simmons of Chickasha, and Mrs. Helen McVey of Verden, and a brother living in Tennessee.

At the close of the services an unusual long procession followed the funeral to the Verden cemetery where interment was made. Hansen Funeral Home was in charge of the burial.

At the open grave we say 'farewell.' May God's purest angels guard his slumbers.

"How sweet a life was his; how sweet a death.
Living to wing with mirth the merry hours,
Or with his genial tales the heart to cheer;
Dying, to leave memory like the heath,
Of summer, full of sunshine and flowers,
A grief and gladness in the atmosphere."

We can only remind those mourners that he is not dead, he is only asleep - resting after a long and well spent life here, he cannot, and would not if he could, return to us; we can, if we will, go to him. Behind the storm clouds always lurks the rainbow and when the storm is past it weeps upon the flowers of the land and the pearls of the sea. Darkness proceded the dawning and out of the blackness of night comes the sunshine and joy of the day.