Haverhill: The Rev. Wesley A. Straw, 77, passed away on January 11, 2012 at Lowell General Hospital. He was the husband of Theresa (Saltzman) (Lowes) Straw.

Born in Haverhill on September 24, 1934, Rev. Straw was the son of the late Alfred and Jennie Straw.

Wesley was educated in Bradford, and early on worked for the Wallace Family at Orchard Hill Farm. He then went on to work many years as a layout operator before retiring from the former AT&T in North Andover. Wesley served as the spiritual head of the Second Baptist Church in Haverhill before being ordained as Senior Pastor on January 29, 1995, and served in that capacity until his death. He was known for his singing ability and sang at various churches serving the Lord in music. He was devoted to his church family and his love for them saw no boundaries. His love of his Lord was reflected in his favorite song "What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see, when he takes me by the hand and leads me thru the Promised Land, and says welcome home good and faithful servant." He will always be remembered as a man of God.

Besides his wife of 35 years, he is survived by his son, Michael Straw; daughter, Linda Marie Rockford, both of Canada; grandchildren, Hallie Rockford and Katelyn Straw; brothers, Richard Straw and his wife Jackie of Henderson, NV, Chester Straw and his wife Jane of Merrimac, MA; step-sons, Dennis W. Lowes, Dwight W. Lowes, Richard G. Lowes, Jamie V. Lowes, and nieces, nephews and great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Second Baptist Church. Calling hours at the church will be Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Interment at Walnut Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the Second Baptist Church, 314 Amesbury Line Road, Haverhill, MA 01830. Arrangements by Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill.

Online condolence may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com