Donald Mert Lay Sr.

April 21, 1935-August 8, 2025

On August 8, 2025, Heaven welcomed home Donald M. Lay, Sr., who passed peacefully at

the age of 90, surrounded by loved ones. Donald was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky on

April 21, 1935, to the late George Washington Lay and Amanda Luvena Turner Lay.

Donald was preceded in death by his beloved and devoted wife of 55 years, Arbutus

“Beauty” Lay; daughter, Gwendolyn Cox (Vernon Cox); son, Donald M. Lay, Jr.; 9 brothers

and 5 sisters; grandsons, Brandon Lay and Michael Cox; and great-granddaughter, Sara

Hasty.

Donald is survived by his children, Margaret Ann (Neil) Earnest, Dahle (Pam) Smith, Robin

(Chuck) Short, Randy (Angela) Lay and Ronnie (Renee) Lay, a host of grandchildren and

great grandchildren.

Donald and Beauty were founders and members of Valley Street Pentecostal Holiness

Church for more than 35 years, until he returned to Spaulding Road Church of God after his

wife’s passing. Whether acting as Sunday School Superintendent or leading prayer Donald

was always ready to work for the Lord. He cherished the Word of God and loved sharing the

Gospel with all who crossed his path.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 5pm-8pm, at Spaulding Road

Church of God, 1658 Spaulding Road, Dayton. Funeral Services will be held at the Church

on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 10am, with Rev. Daniel Kroger officiating. Burial will follow

at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.