Dr. Austin E. Jay Jr., 80, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Thursday (July 12, 2012) at his home under Hospice care.

Dr. Jay was born April 5, 1932 in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, the son of Austin E. and Helen (Sandal) Jr. Sr. He was united in marriage to Betty Hise on April 27, 1956 in Gentry, Missouri.

Dr. Jay is survived by his wife, two sons and their families, Dr. Jordan Jay, and wife Gail Vasterling, and grandson, Joshua Jay of Jefferson City, MO; Dr. Jeffrey Jay, wife Debe, and grandchildren Joseph and Stephanie Jay of Aberdeen, SD; and a daughter, Dr. Jennifer Jay of St. Cloud, MN. Also surviving are four sisters: Marilyn Ruckman of Gallatin, MO, Dr. Joan Jones of Framingham, MA, Kathryn Olney of Bonney Lake, WA, and Jean Verdin of Chesterfield, MO; one brother, Donald Jay (Darlene) of Grant City, MO; a sister-in-law, Virginia Stephenson of Albany, MO, a brother-in-law, Loyd Hise of King City, MO and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Loreen Hughes, two nieces and his parents-in-law.

Dr. Jay was a long time professor and pre-med advisor at Truman State University. He received his B.S. degree from Northwest MO State University, his M.S. degree from Arizona State University and the Ph.D degree from the University of Arkansas. In 1996 he was presented and Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.

He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and a member of First Baptist Church of Kirksville.

It was Dr. Jay’s wish to be cremated and interment will be held at a later date in Northwest, Missouri.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday (July 17, 2012) in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.