Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc. | Montgomery, AL

Obituary For Joseph Laster, Sr.

Joseph Lamar Laster, Sr. was born to the late Edward and Viola Laster on September 28, 1937 in Butler County, Alabama. He passed away on December 1, 2021.

He married Gladys Robinson Laster in 1961 and was a loving husband and father to Joseph L. Laster, Jr., Damian Q. Laster (predeceased), and Shana N. Laster. He was also a loving brother to James Laster (predeceased), Henrietta Laster Jones (predeceased), and Leola Laster Evans.

He attended parochial schools in Montgomery, Alabama and graduated from St. Jude Educational Institute in 1956. In 1961, he received a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Social Studies and English from Alabama State University. With the aid of an NDEA stipend, he did graduate study in History at Hampton Institute and earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from Troy State University in 1972. In 1987, he received his Doctorate in Educational Administration from Auburn University.

In 1961, he began a lifetime career of service within the public school system, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, and instructional supervisor within the Montgomery County Board of Education. He went on to join the Alabama Department of Education as an Instructional Coordinator and later served as a faculty member at Auburn University at Montgomery and as Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Selma University.

In addition to his wife, children, and sister, he leaves to cherish his memories a host of family, including: two grandchildren, Joseph Lamar Laster, III and Tyra Bonet Laster; a daughter-in-law, Sharon K. Laster; a brother-in-law, Elie Jones; a sister-in-law, Daisy Laster; nieces and nephews, Teresa Lynn McCrary, Kim Laster, James Laster, Elanna Jones, Steve Jones, Tamara T. Leonard, T’Erica Nicole Vaughn, Tyler Kristan McCrary, and a host of other relatives and devoted friends.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Ross-Clayton Funeral Home. FACE MASK REQUIRED.

Guest Book

Rest in peace Mr. Laster from the family of John H. Ashley

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I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF JOE. LIKE HIS MOTHER HE WAS ALWAYS KIND AND FRIENDLY TO ME. MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO MRS GLAYDS LASTER AND THE LASTER FAMILY. EDITH GINWRIGHT WASHINGTON

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TO: Mrs. Laster & Family We were deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Laster's death. We are so very sorry. Mr. Laster was a kind soul & will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May GOD bless you & your family during this time & always. With hope that it helps you to know we care. Jeffrey & Tracey McKitt {WOODCREST}♡♡♡

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The German and Turner Families in Montgomery, Atlanta and Arlington, TX extend condolences to the family of Joe L. Laster, Sr. May he rest in peace.

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The St. Jude Educational Institute Alumni Association extend condolences to the family of Dr. Joseph Laster, Sr., Class of 1956. May He Rest in Peace. St. Jude Alumni

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I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Mr.Joseph Laster, Sr.He is and was a great father in -law to my sister and my family learn to care for him a lot. When I first met him I enjoyed talking to him about the world and life.I found him to be a very intelligent, very kind and down-to-earth man that anyone could talk to. May God bless the Laster family with kind memories of him

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I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one, Joseph Laster, Sr. I met Joe shortly after I moved to Montgomery in 1988. I found him to be a very intelligent, very civic minded and so down to earth. He, Henry Dumcombe and I shared many hours talking about world and local affairs as we played golf. Much of his discussion centered around his family that he loved dearly. I know that you will miss him. I pray God's grace and peace as you say goodbye to a great man. Wilbert Jones

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Joe was a cornerstone of the community. He was a learned and intelligent man. The St Jude's parishioners and alumni association extend our condolences to the Laster family during your time of bereavement. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Anchored in Christ, St Jude's Alumni and Friends Assn.

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My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Gladys Robinson Laster and the Laster family, on the passing of my good friend, Joseph L. Laster, Sr. I will always remember Joe as a highly motivated scholar from high school, college and beyond. Joe was an outstanding educator who stood out as one of the most tenacious, intelligent and highly passionate graduates of St. Jude Educational Institute. He left an indelible impact on those whom he taught and whose lives he touched. Joe was an invaluable friend and resource person to me throughout my professional career. I will sorely miss our reminiscent telephone conversations and his cherished friendship. Charlie Varner, Jr.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc. | Montgomery, AL