Obituary
Reverend Lee F. Soxman, Jr
May 14, 1925 – February 4, 2021
Reverend Lee F. Soxman, Jr., 95, beloved son, father, husband, friend, neighbor and a much-loved minister, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2021 at his home in Lee’s Summit, Mo. Lee was born in Kansas City, Mo., on May 14, 1925, to Rev. Lee F. and Marguerite Soxman. Lee loved his family, his parents, his wife, Beverly, of 43 years, his children; Carol (Ben) Walstatter, Ellen (Bo Cooley) Gary, David (Julia) Soxman, Mary (Jeff) Weir, Martha (Scott) Smith and stepson, Todd (Diane) Rector; his 11 grandchildren, Debi (Brian), Amy, Connor, Chase, Drew, Matthew (Heather), Jacob, Kyle, Kayla (Derek), Mimi and Quinten; six great-grandchildren; Tyler, Claire, Eldon, Sadie, Declan and Henrietta; brother-in-law, Bill (Evelyn) Kling; sister-in-law, Kathleen (Mike) Smith; and nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of devoted friends. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, and step-daughter, Lou Ann Rector.
Lee always credited his folks for guiding his path into Christian ministry. He graduated from William Chrisman High School, William Jewell College, and Perkins School of Theology (SMU) Dallas, to become an ordained Methodist minister. Lee was known as a church builder. He directed complete church building construction, additions and improvements at churches he served. For over 53 years he loved and faithfully served Missouri (West) Conference Methodist congregations, including: Atherton, Garland Ave., Joplin First, Cassville, Marshfield, Mt. Washington (Independence), Liberty, Grandview, K.C. North District Superintendent, Lee’s Summit UMC, and King’s Way, Springfield, Mo.
“Our pastor,
You lead our congregation
by opening God’s word
and living your life
reflecting all we heard”
In retirement, 1992, he served as an ambassador for Epworth Children’s Home of St. Louis and visitation pastor for Lee’s Summit United Methodist Church. Lee enjoyed teaching adult Sunday school. He taught the Renaissance class for 25 years and most recently the Faith-Grace class. He joyfully sang with the Methodist Men of Note and led Bible studies at John Knox Village and Sunday Sojourners group.
Lee was so thankful to be able to stay at home for his daily care given by his wife, grown children and Interim Home Care. The Soxman family wishes to thank nursing aide Machelle Gleason for her excellent, loving care during Lee’s final days.
Due to COVID-19 only a private family service will be held at this time. A Love & Remembrance service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Parkinson’s Disease Association, P.O. Box 97216, Washington, DC 20090-7216; Della Lamb Community Services, 500 Woodland Ave., KCMO 64106, and Grace United Methodist Church, 2400 SE US Highway 50, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063-1051
May the good Lord bless and keep you
My very first Pastor, and how very lucky I was. I can think of no better man and example. Thank You for teaching me the significance of our church and the importance of God in all I do.
Your great smile and kindness will be missed. Well done good and faithful servant.
Yes, well done, good, loving, and faithful servant of God. We are grateful for you, your leadership in the church, and your witness of God’s call on our lives. You were there for me on August 15, 1963, when I accepted God’s call to ministry, just as you have blessed thousands of people as you served over 50 years of ministry. In retirement you continued your life long servant-leadership witness with significance. We will never forget your smile and compassion of others. Lori and I are also so very grateful for Beverly, who like you, shares the joy of Jesus with generosity.
May GOD bless you all with the fondest memories, Lee will be greatly missed by all including MYSELF.
GOD BLESS!!!!
Lee loved serving God and he always served with grace, kindness, and purpose. His days and many evenings were spent doing the Lord’s work and his energy never diminished. A wonderful pastor, example, and friend. Lee and Beverly have left an imprint upon our lives for which we are eternally grateful. Grace and Peace, Lee.
Bev so sorry about Lee. He was a very good person, good friend, true Christian. He will be missed by so many. You took such good care of him. Know he’s not suffering. I know God will be with you.
We’re so sorry to hear of Reverand Soxman’s passing. Lee was such a dedicated and kind man. We will always remember him with the big smile he has in this picture. Prayers and big hugs to Bev and all the family.