Reverend Doctor John Stuart Lassetter, age 77, died of natural causes peacefully in his home in Clinton, MS on October 8, 2021.

Stuart is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy Jo McGraw Lassetter, of Clinton, MS; his 3 daughters, Nancy Anne Homrich (Richard) of Delton, MI, Amy Ruth Bullens (David, deceased) of Clinton, MS, Carrie Lynn Reeves (Braden) of Jackson, MS and the country of Greece, as well as by 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents John Madison and Genevieve Stuart Lassetter of Clinton, MS.

Stuart was born on January 7, 1944 in Jackson, MS. His education included degrees from Mississippi College and The University of Mississippi and culminated with a PhD from Iowa State University that led him to a tenure of 8 years as Full Professor of Botany at Eastern Kentucky University. He then dedicated 30 years to global missions work with the United Pentecostal Church, International in Colombia, Ecuador, and many other countries, the work of which included Bible school establishment, church administration, and leadership training.

Stuart was a strong Christian who loved Jesus, cherished his family, and had many interests. Throughout his formative years he was continuously involved in scouting, was "tapped" into the Order of the Arrow, and enjoyed working on cars and motorcycles. He became a talented artist of pottery and painting in oil and acrylic, and especially relished welding and metal sculpture. He liked woodworking, building furniture, and "scrounging" great finds to modify. Collecting antiques was a favorite hobby of Stuart's, and he became an avid hunter later in life. He had almost completed his fourth book upon his passing, a collection of memoirs of his childhood in Clinton, MS that includes much of the town's history.

An admirable minister, a highly intelligent teacher, a distinguished gentleman, a gentle giant in character, and a greatly loved and respected husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Stuart has deeply influenced many and will be tremendously missed.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 11, 2021 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm and Tuesday from 9:00am – 10:00am at First Pentecostal Church. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am with interment following at Clinton Cemetery, Clinton, MS.