Pastor Clay Bilbary, Jr. Obituary

Pastor Clay Don Bilbary, Jr., of Newburg, MO, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at the age of 65.

Born on August 7, 1959, Don was the son of Clay Don Bilbary, Sr. and Carolyn (Boyce) Bilbary. On July 16, 1994, he married Janet Susan Dye in Eldon, MO, beginning a partnership that brought him great joy and fulfillment.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Walter and Juanita Dye.

Don's father was a pastor in nearby Kingston, Alabama, when Don was born. His sister Carrie stated, "Don was her baby and she would take care of him." The family moved to Selma, Alabama, a few years later, and in 1969, they relocated to New Amsterdam, Guyana, as Southern Baptist missionaries. His brother Daniel was born in Georgetown, Guyana, in 1972. New Madrid, Missouri, became their home during missionary furloughs, and their next assignment took them to Antigua.

Don was a lifelong Baylor sports fan and loved singing "The Good Old Baylor Line" as a trio with his dad and mom. He met the love of his life, Janet, at the Eldon Turkey Festival, where they were both volunteering at the Miller County Baptist booth, handing out cups of cold water. Years later, Don and Janet were honored as Mr. and Mrs. Newburg. Don always had a smile on his face, and his love for the Lord and his family was evident in everything he did. He was a godly man who loved telling people about Jesus. There was no one more welcomed at Heaven's door than Don. When he was received in Heaven, God said, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Don graduated from Southwest Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He dedicated his life to serving others, most recently as the beloved pastor of First Baptist Church in Newburg, Missouri, where he shepherded his congregation with love, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Prior to that, he served as youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Louisiana, Missouri, and First Baptist Church in Max Creek, Missouri, as well as pastor at First Baptist Church in Tuscumbia, Missouri, where he made a lasting impact on many lives. A proud alumnus of Baylor University in Waco, Texas, Don also passionately supported the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs. His legacy of faith, service, and loyalty to family, friends, and community will be deeply missed.

His family was very proud and thankful for having him in their life.

Don will be sadly missed by his surviving family which includes: his wife, Janet Bilbary of Newburg, MO; his parents, Don and Carolyn Sr Bilbary of Macks Creek, MO; one brother, Daniel Bilbary of Macks Creek, MO; one sister Carrie Nelson and husband Marty of Irving, TX; three nieces, Cheri Nelson, Jenny Nelson, Chelsie Nelson; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends.

A funeral service for Pastor Clay Don Bilbary, Jr. will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Newburg. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. at the church. Interment will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the Greenmore Memorial Gardens in Barnett, MO.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Newburg or Samaritan's Purse.