Rev. Lee Stoneking Obituary, Death – Pentecostal Minister Remembered as Papa at 86
Rev. Lee Stoneking, affectionately known to many as “Papa,” has reportedly died at the age of 86, prompting an outpouring of remembrance from people connected to his decades-long Christian ministry.
Stoneking was a prominent Pentecostal minister and evangelist whose preaching took him across the United States and to audiences around the world. He became particularly known within Apostolic and Pentecostal communities for his evangelistic work and teachings about faith and the Holy Spirit.
His reported death marks the end of a ministry career that spanned more than six decades.
Lee Stoneking’s Early Life
Lee Stoneking was born January 1, 1940. His early interests included art, music and dancing.
As a young man, he pursued dance and performed in major theaters in Des Moines and other locations. He was also invited to audition at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
His plans changed after he was seriously injured in an automobile accident at age 16. The accident affected his spinal column and brought his dancing career to an end.
Stoneking later worked as an executive secretary and studied commercial art at Drake University before his life increasingly turned toward Christian ministry.
Beginning of His Pentecostal Ministry
Stoneking’s religious journey eventually led him into Apostolic Christianity.
According to his UPCI biography, he was baptized in Jesus’ name on July 23, 1963. The biography states that he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost on October 6 of the same year.
He went on to serve as a pastor, plant a church and develop an extensive evangelistic ministry.
His preaching eventually took him throughout the United States and internationally, including numerous visits to Israel.
A Ministry Spanning More Than Six Decades
Stoneking became closely associated with Pentecostal evangelism and messages focused on faith, healing and the work of the Holy Spirit.
His UPCI biography states that he served in three pastorates, planted a church and conducted evangelistic work internationally. The organization also credits his ministry with thousands of people receiving what followers described as the Holy Ghost and experiencing healing.
In 2017, Stoneking was inducted into the UPCI Wall of Honor in recognition of his lengthy ministry within the Pentecostal movement.
The 2003 Medical Emergency in Australia
A significant event frequently included in accounts of Stoneking’s ministry occurred in Sydney, Australia, on November 12, 2003.
According to his UPCI biography, Stoneking suffered a massive heart attack at an airport and was clinically dead for approximately 45 minutes before being revived.
The experience subsequently became an important part of his personal testimony and was frequently referenced in connection with his preaching and faith.
The historical medical emergency should not, however, be confused with the cause of his reported death in 2026.
Address to the United Nations
Stoneking also attracted international attention after addressing the United Nations General Assembly on April 22, 2015.
According to his UPCI biography, he delivered a Christian message based on Acts 2:38 during the appearance. The organization states that the address later received millions of views worldwide.
The appearance was another notable moment in a ministry that had taken Stoneking to audiences beyond traditional church settings.
Why Many Called Him “Papa”
For many people who encountered Stoneking through his ministry, the affectionate name “Papa” became closely associated with him.
His preaching reached multiple generations, while his long career in evangelism and pastoral ministry made him a familiar figure within parts of the Apostolic Pentecostal community.
Following reports of his death, people connected to his ministry have begun sharing memories and tributes.
Lee Stoneking Cause of Death
The cause of Rev. Lee Stoneking’s reported death has not been reliably confirmed in the information available.
His well-documented 2003 heart attack was a historical event and should not be presented as the cause of his death in 2026.
No specific illness or medical condition should be attributed to his death unless confirmed by his family, church representatives, funeral home or another authoritative source.
Obituary, Memorial and Funeral Arrangements
At the time of publication, a complete official obituary and confirmed funeral announcement were not available in the information provided.
Details about visitation, memorial services, funeral services and burial arrangements therefore remain unavailable.
Further information may be released by Stoneking’s family or church community once arrangements have been finalized.
Remembering Rev. Lee Stoneking
Stoneking’s reported passing closes a long chapter in a ministry that began after his early ambitions in art and dance were redirected toward Christian service.
His career included pastoral work, church planting, international evangelism and decades of preaching about faith and the Holy Spirit.
From his ministry travels across the United States to his international appearances and his 2015 address at the United Nations, Stoneking became a recognizable figure among those who followed his work.
For the people who knew him as “Papa,” his legacy will also be remembered through the relationships he formed and the influence he had across generations.
As the community continues to mourn, additional details about his death and final arrangements may become available through official family, church or obituary announcements.