Pastor Joseph Leon Stobaugh

© The Bakersfield Californian

Wednesday, 28 June 2006

Submitted by: Sandi Carter

Pastor Joseph Leon Stobaugh
Feb. 19, 1926 - June 22, 2006

Pastor Stobaugh was born in Holdenville, OK, on February 19, 1926, to parents William and Lula Stobaugh and left his earthly vessel on June 22, while family were gathered around his bedside singing his favorite gospel song, "This World is not my Home."

Preceded in death by both parents, one sister, Annamae Etheridge, beloved wife of 54 years, Barbara (Bobbie) Stobaugh, and father and mother-in-law, Lesley (Nick) and Delcy Nichols.

The Stobaugh family moved to California in the Dust Bowl era and settled in Lamont. Leon was drafted in the Army on June of 1945 and was later shipped to Japan where he quickly rose to Staff Sergeant while stationed at the 161st Station Hospital where he served as a medic. After serving 18 months overseas he returned home with yards of beautiful white Japanese silk for his bride's wedding dress. They were married on October 30, 1946 and this October would have marked their 60th wedding anniversary.

In that same year Leon started his first church in an Army tent on Feliz and Cottonwood. Later the church moved to Wilson Road where he served as pastor for 29 years until retirement.

Never one to enjoy idle time, he once again entered the ministry as an evangelist. This he enjoyed for many years until his wife suffered a major stroke. He nursed and cared for her until her death in 2000.

It wasn't long before he once again became restless and once again began building a church. This was no small feat for someone in his seventies and today construction is almost complete.

Daddy leaves behind two sisters, Dessie Moore and Verna Swartz; brothers-in-law, Gerald Moore and Ralph Etheridge; one son, Nick Stobaugh; one daughter, Barbie Putnam; one grandson, Nicky Stobaugh; two granddaughters, Christy Stobaugh and Amanda Putnam; one future great grandchild; one special daughter-in-law, Dee Montgomery; and a very special friend, "That Dog" Rowdy; as well as a host of church family and friends.

Pallbearers will be grandson, Nicky Stobaugh, nephews, Jim Etheridge, Chuck Etheridge, Jimmy Nichols and buddies, Johnny Lawrence and Dennis Patton. Honorary Pallbearers are Ronnie Etheridge, Bro. Rushing, Bro. Yarbrough, Robert Moore and Bro. Rodney Wheeler.

Visitation will be Friday, June 30, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary, with a Memorial Celebration to be held in the Chapel on Saturday, July 1, at 10:00 a.m. Officiating the service will be Bro. David Curtis and Bro. Kenneth Blackwood.

In lieu of flowers, donationa may be made to Optimal Hospice Care.

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