Laurent Paul Robert Ogayonne

In celebration and loving memory of Laurent Paul Robert Ogayonne.

He was born on January 24th, 1964, in Bangui, Central African Republic to Rene Felix Ogayonne and Madeleine Kongo Ogayonne.

Laurent was the first born of 9 children. However, after the murder of his father and also of his grandfather, at the age of 17 Laurent became the head of his household. He assisted his mother in providing care and support to his younger siblings.

Though he was raised Catholic, Laurent encountered Jesus during a period of trials and tribulations through an active participation in an evangelical campus ministry and prayer group called Jerusalem of which he often spoke affectionately, respectfully and proudly, with intense gratitude. This fellowship encouraged him to trust in Jesus' faithfulness to gain the redemption of his sins, and the fortitude to forgive others, even the man who murdered his father. He was the first in his family to give his life to Christ, which earn him the unflattering title of "Preacher".

Their twenty-seven-year marriage has produced eight (8!) beautiful and talented children. As a family they are altogether known far and wide as "The Cheery O's", yet everyone knew Laurent as the "pack leader", loving father, head principal, and driving force. He showed indisputable kindness and generosity to all and made a deep and lasting impact on everyone he encountered. He often canceled his own plans to help others in need and he taught his children, nieces and nephews to do the same.

He was a private contractor and was gifted with many talents and skills, including (but not limited to) speaking many languages, singing, playing both bongos and bass guitar, all manor of construction engineering, dancing, masterfully purchasing great vehicles at a huge discount, martial arts, driving ridiculously long distances without sleep, soccer, basketball, remembering and attending birthdays and special events for everyone he knew, and both spiritual and political discourse, to name just a few (as everyone who knew him could attest).

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Renee Ogayonne, his children, Jon-Luke Rene Ogayonne (26). Sarah-Gloriel Madeleine (24) Joshua Ray Ogayonne (23), Joseph Alex aka Laurent Ogayonne (21), Joel-LeRoc Andrew Ogayonne (19), Johnathan LeGrand Victor Ogayonne (17), Rebekah Sophia-Grace Ogayonne (14) and Selah Marie Ogayonne(12), his son-law Emir Karakas, his siblings: Francoise, Leonie, Paul, Gertrude, Sophie, Marie Rose, Jean Gabriel, Nadia; his beloved cousin, Renee Danielle and her children, both the Walker and Delevoe families, and a host of blood relatives: Ogayonne, Akem, Sama, Follot, Tozoui, Lossangue, and Zonioua, Kokpata, Yazombie, the Lgondjo ascendant and descendant family ⁠Rendoukoue, family of the Aguekaza, the Lassen clan, Agneregoulais family, Owanga family, Ozouaki family and Jams family.

In truth, all who had the pleasure of knowing Laurent deeply mourn his passing. As family and friends in deep sorrow, we are comforted by the belief that Laurent is in Jesus' loving arms. (Matthew 25:21)

As his 60th birthday would have been on January 24th, we will be holding a memorial ceremony on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church (Dayton) at 12:00pm (General Viewing at 11:00). Following the services, he will be laid to rest at Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery. Please come celebrate his life together with us!

To share a memory of Laurent or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.