Pastor Lowell G. O'steen, 90, Columbia County's Sweetest Preacher, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, December 17, 2023 at his residence following an extended illness. He was born in Providence, Florida on October 9, 1933 to the late Stanton F. and Rivy Jane Fralick O'steen. He has made Lake City his home most of his life and served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, 6 months and 28 days. He was in the Baptist Ministry for over 40 years, recently serving as the Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church before retiring. In his spare time, he enjoyed studying the Bible, cooking, making candy, especially peanut brittle and in his younger days, he enjoyed playing racquetball. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Gwen O'steen.

He is survived by his children, Alan O'steen (Jeri) of Lakeland, Keith O'steen (Staci) of Lake City and Karen McClain (Bobby) of Fort White; seven grandchildren, Bryan O'steen (Susan), Shane O'steen, Shauna Teele (John), Marcus McClain, Nicholas O'steen, Tristan O'steen and Sierra McClain; along with six great-grandchildren, Kaiden O'steen, Nolan O'steen, Macy O'steen, Hannah O'steen, Summer Teele, Canyon Jones Teele, Rivy Teele and Coastlyn Teele also survive.

A funeral service for Pastor O'steen will be conducted on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Pastor Bob Richter and Pastor John Teele officiating. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Thursday evening, December 21, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be considered to the Gideon's International, P.O. Box 1805, Lake City, FL, 32056 and/or Bethlehem Baptist Church, P.O. Box 3325, Lake City, FL, 32056. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.