Obituary of Loran K. Presley

“Dave Macleod, professor at Western where Loran attended college, penned these words for Loran’s exit from this Earth.

Before the great adventure of his new voyage, Paul looks back over his ministry of 30 years and says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7 NIV)  The Christian life is viewed realistically; It is a battle, and the opposition is relentless. The bullets are real - the casualties are high.  It is not a piece of cake. It wasn’t for Loran and it isn’t for us. He “finished the race”  in Acts 20, with the Ephesian elders, Paul earlier said that his goal was to “finish my race” and the work “which I received from the Lord Jesus” (v24) May I remind you that a race is only won at the end. That’s why I have a new appreciation for older men and women who have been walking with Jesus Christ for years and who finish well. Finally, Paul says that he “kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7) He guarded the treasure, even though it meant pain and suffering.  For each believer there is labor, sacrifice and danger.

Now Paul says that nothing remains but the prize, the crown (v 8).  I cannot think of a better epitaph for Loran than Paul’s three expressions:

• “I have fought the good fight.”  He fought the good fight.
• “I have finished the race”  He finished the race.
• “I have kept the faith”  He kept the faith.

Heaven is much more than a place.  It involves a person, Jesus will be there.  The thing that makes Heaven Heaven is the presence of the Savior.  The thing that makes hell hell is the absence of the Savior.

You see, it is the presence of Christ that makes the place glorious.  That’s why Paul says in Phil 1:21 “ for to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (NASB)  How so?  More Christ!

That’s why Paul, in a number of places in the N.T. says “I’m struggling.  It’s far better to go home, but it’s necessary for me to remain.” (cf Phil 1:23-24.) Do we want Loran back? Well, for our sake, of course! But for his sake, never! How selfish we would be. Death is going home.  And who’s afraid to go home?  No matter how exciting the trip, I can assure you from more experience that I would care to have, there is nothing as exciting as going home.”

Loran, 69, of Sarasota, FL, formerly Washington, IL, passed away Tuesday, July 26 at 12:15 A.M surrounded by his loved ones in his daughter’s home. He joined his father, Monroe Jackson Presley, and mother, Joan Emma Presley (Attig) in their heavenly home. He is survived by his wife, Candy, married for 47 years 2 months and 10 days, his sister, Lynnette, many nieces and nephews, and children, Lydia (Alex), Abigail (Sean), Meggan, Lauren (Seth), Alistaire, Rosie (Roderick), Candace (Sebastian), Ethan (Megan), and Evan who remain on earth, restless to once again be reunited with him. His legacy continues through his 12 grandchildren, Patton Cole, Grace, Elaina, Salem, Maebel, Marvin, Ralph, Ruby, Aria Skye, Eleanora, Miles, and Lyra Fae.

Loran’s calling was the ministry, in which he formally served the Lord for 22 years. He not only had a pastor’s heart but also a servant’s heart which was clearly seen by anyone who knew him. That servant’s heart, whether working or everyday life, was practiced as he was self-described as being a jack-of-all-trades but master of none.  He was a beloved husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and son. He exhibited what his family knew as agape love; a love that thrived in bringing out the best of others. His family witnessed the impact felt by his death through the incoming messages of support, love, stories and memories arriving from far and wide from friends and family.