Lela McAfee

Lela was born in Buick, MO on June 15, 1931 to parents Troy and Lula Barton. She was the youngest of five children, with one brother and three sisters. She was the last surviving sibling.

Lela grew up on a farm and was a preacher’s kid. Her father was a minister in the Assembly of God church. Her childhood memories revolved around the church as her family was there every time the doors opened. This was something she continued throughout her life. Lela attended the first church service at People’s Church in Arnold, MO and was an active member of the church until she moved to Murfreesboro, TN in 2024.

On October 1, 1949, Lela married Billy McAfee. They began their married life in St. Louis and subsequently built a home in Arnold, MO where Lela lived for 62 years. Their daughter and only child, Paula, was born in 1950.

Daughter Paula and her husband Bill blessed Lela with three grandchildren, Scott, Stephanie, and Shane. She also had six great-grandchildren, Remington, Lakelee, Haley, Junior, Ian, and Evelyn.

There were many unexpected twists and turns in Lela’s life. She is to be admired for her strength and her faith in God.

Lela was proceeded in death by her husband; Billy, Parents; Troy and Lula Barton, Sisters; Verlene Mathes, Mildred Goggin, and Juanita Bowen, Brother; Rayburn Barton, Grandson-in-law: Michael Davidson, and several Nieces and Nephews.

Lela is survived by her daughter and son-in-law; Paula & Bill Leach, grandchildren; Scott (Erica Bates) Leach, Stephanie Davidson, and Shane (Melissa) Leach, great-grandsons; Remington Leach, Shane Leach, Jr., and Ian Leach, great-granddaughters, Lakelee Leach, Haley Bates, and Evelyn Leach.

Visitation with the family will be 10:00am until 12:30pm, Friday, May 23, 2025 at Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home 1081 Jeffco Blvd. Arnold, MO with the funeral service at 12:30pm. Interment to follow at Shepherd Hills Cemetery in Barnhart.