Homer Earl DeLozier, executive director of St. Louis Baptist Association (now St. Louis Metro Baptist Association) from 1955 until his retirement in 1976, died Feb. 11 at The Baptist Home in Ironton at the age of 101.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb. 17 at Southwest Baptist Church in St. Louis, with pastor Rudy Pulido officiating. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 16 in the church parlor. The family also will greet friends on Feb. 17 at 10 a.m., an hour before the funeral.DeLozier was born on Nov. 5, 1907, in a sod house in Cimarron County, Okla., where his parents homesteaded. He grew up on a farm near Clinton.
He married Ferroll Woodford, who preceded him in death in 1993.
He married Ferroll Woodford, who preceded him in death in 1993.
Once known as “Mr. Baptist” by many in the St. Louis area, he received his education from Southwest Baptist University, William Jewell College and Central Baptist Theological Seminary. Jewell granted him an honorary doctorate.
DeLozier served as pastor of Baptist churches in Quarlls, Chillhowee, Leeton, Lamar and Maplewood.
During his 22 years with St. Louis Association, 44 churches were started, reflecting a high priority of his leadership.
DeLozier was an initiator and strong supporter of Missouri Baptist University. He served the Missouri Baptist Convention as vice president for two years and as president for one. He also served on the MBC Executive Board.
He was a board member emeritus of Missouri Baptist Hospital and William Jewell, serving each institution for 30 years. He also served on the boards of Southwest Baptist University, Hannibal-LaGrange College and Central Baptist Seminary.
For many years after his retirement, DeLozier remained active as an interim pastor and in pulpit supply, especially at Southwest Church in St. Louis, where he and his wife were longtime members.
Survivors include two daughters, Joann Bunch of Smyrna, Ga., and Marilyn Richter of Claremont, Calif.; a sister, Mildred Marksberry of Clinton; three grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters.
Memorial contributions are suggested for Missouri Baptist University, One College Drive Park, St. Louis, MO 63141, or Southwest Baptist Church, 6401 Scanlon Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139.
A private family burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Kirkwood.
Jay B. Smith Funeral Home of Maplewood is in charge of arrangements.
