James Edward, "Ed" Lasater, age 85, lifelong Okay, OK resident, departed this life on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, OK. He was born on June 28, 1935 and was a graduate of Okay High School in 1954. In the same year, he married the love of his life, Maggie Jean Neel on April 23. Ed received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Northeastern State University in 1964 and obtained his Master's Degree in School Administration from Northeastern State University in 1968. Ed was a United States Army veteran and served in the military from April 29, 1958 to April 19, 1960. He was a teacher and a coach in Stoutland, Missouri from 1964-1967, a principal at Okay High School from 1967-1987, and taught and was a principal at Fort Gibson Middle School from 1988 to 1994 when he retired after 30 years in public education. Ed was an active member of Okay Baptist Church, served on the church building committee, and was instrumental in the grant writing and building of the Okay Senior Citizen's Building.  Ed enjoyed fishing, coaching, building, reading and studying the bible, playing dominoes with his lifelong friends, and attending any and all events for his four grandchildren. He lived for the opportunity to encourage others, inspire people to work to their highest potential, and to share the love of Christ. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, community volunteer, and friend, Ed enjoyed every chance he had to spend time with others. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Lee and Edna Lasater, brothers Earnest Lee and Dale Wayne Lasater, sisters Ethel Mae Wilson, Elizabeth Marie Shelton, Opal June Smith, and Betty Joyce Henry. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Maggie Lasater, his son Michael James Lasater and wife Missy of the home, grandchildren Hunter, Boone, Meridy, and Alyssa Lasater, sisters Vesta Cleo Laster and Sondra Lynn Fowler and husband Don.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Viewing will be from 10 am to 7 pm Thursday, May 27 at Mallett Funeral Home in Wagoner, the visitation will be from 5 pm to 7 pm when friends are invited to share memories and visit with family as well. The funeral will be at 1 pm Friday, May 28, at Okay First Baptist Church, Okay OK. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Wagoner, OK.