MCLEANSBORO, Ill. (WSIL) -- Randy Stover was a self-employed contractor whose construction skills took him back and forth between Illinois, Arizona and other states seeking his work.
When Stover retired, the toolbelt stayed around his waist. For the last few years Stover had been volunteering for mission trips with his childhood church in McLeansboro to build homes for people in Mexico, Nicaragua, etc.
Stover's 10th mission came to a tragic halt last week.
"The lord has just been with us and with the families," said Jacob Gray, lead pastor at Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church. "Just being faithful even when it doesn't seem possible."
The church sent Stover and six others to Arizona for a mission trip to Puerto Peñasco in Sonora, Mexico. Their goal: to build a home for a family in need.
"[Stover] was excited to take our team from here and help," Gray said. "To bless them and show them that they're loved."
Stover and three others were driving near South Mountain Preserve outside Phoenix when Stover had a medical emergency and got into a rollover crash according to ABC 15 Arizona.
Stover died at the scene. His three passengers are in hospitals.
Part of the church's on Facebook said, 'The other three individuals are in the hospital and will be having different surgeries over the upcoming days. We encourage you to continue to pray and remember these families in the days and weeks ahead.'
Gray says Stover continued to do what he loved through his final days.
"[Stover] just had a heart for the lord. Had a heart for missions. Just could help anyone," Gray said.
Services for Stover, 65, of Benton, are happening Friday November 17 at Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church in McLeansboro. Visitation times are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the funeral at 3 p.m.
Stover will be buried in his family plot at the church's cemetery across the street.
Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro is handling funeral arrangements.
