John Lares

John Lares, 87 of Beckley went home to be with the Lord October 24, 2022.  He accepted Christ as a teenager and was called to be a pastor.

He graduated from Alderson-Braoddus College and Eastern Baptist Seminary (now Palmer Seminary). John served as Assistant Pastor at First Baptist Church, Parkersburg and pastored at Madison Baptist Church, Big Clear Creek Baptist Church, Rupert, First Baptist Church of Weston and Crab Orchard Baptist Church.

After retiring he had interims at Old Greenbrier Baptist Church, Alderson, Central Baptist Church, Hinton, Cook Memorial Baptist Church, Pineville, Ansted Baptist Church and Big Clear Creek Baptist Church, Rupert.

John loved his family, trusted God in all things, was protective, and treasured truth. In earlier years he enjoyed fishing, reading, golf and watching sports.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, John Stephen Lares; brothers, Leo Lares and David Lares; and sisters, Christina (Teenie) Chervenak and Wanda Gravely.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughters, Lori Symes (Paul) and Mary Delaplane (Chris); daughter-in-law, Diane Frndak (Keith); grandchildren, Karen Beilstein (Anthony), Kristen Michel (Devin), Richard Symes (Jenefer), Chris Symes, Carolyn Barrett (Ryan), Evan Delaplane and Jenna Delaplane; great grandchildren, Addie Beilstein, Jeremiah Beilstein, Lindy Michel, Jaundy Symes, Jacinth Symes, Lance Symes and Owen Barrett.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 28, 2022 at Crab Orchard Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Sisson and Rev. David Bush officiating.  Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. until service time on Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Crab Orchard Baptist Church for Missions.

Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home.