Patrick ‘P.J.’ Lally, 68

Patrick John “P.J.” Lally, 68, of Bakersfield, died Sept. 20, 2020, at his home with his wife and son by his side. No public services are planned, but Mr. Lally will lie in state from 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains. 

He was born June 29, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Bridget Agnes and Patrick John Lally Sr. On Sept. 2, 1980, in Bakersfield, he married Karla Jo Smith. 

Mr. Lally was a hardworking man who had been painting and doing drywall since he was a young man. He enjoyed playing softball at Odd Fellows Park with his friends. He also loved watching his family and son play sports. He was a true fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals.

He spent a great deal of his life outdoors; he had a passion for fishing and the water that he shared with his son. He will be remembered as a caring husband, father, uncle and “Papa.” 

Mr. Lally was a strong man who always provided for his family. He was a friend to many and was always ready to help anyone in need. 

He is survived by his wife, Karla Jo Smith; his son, Levi Trent Wilson Lally and girlfriend Yancey Pry; two grandchildren, Victoria Belt and husband Corey and Jessie Burris; two great-grandchildren, Millie and Bruce Belt; seven siblings, Tom Lally, Mary Ellen White, Kathy Whitmere and husband Charles, Terry Lally and wife Kathy, Marty Lally, Micheal Lally and wife Brigette, and Brian Lally; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kevin and Jimmy Lally; and a brother-in-law, Kevin White. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, MO 65775. Online condolences may be expressed at robertsondrago.com.