Vernon Morton Barve

It was shouting time in heaven on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 when Pastor Vernon M. Barve, age 73 of Mio, joined his heavenly family and was reunited with his beloved wife and son.
Pastor Barve was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on August 25, 1941 to David and Agnes (Hale) Barve. He graduated with the Class of 1962 from Harper Creek High School in Battle Creek and was blessed to marry, Judy Hapner, on August 3, 1963. He worked for the City of Battle Creek and Kellogg Cereal before answering his calling and entered Owosso Bible College in 1969. He was ordained as a minister in the Free Methodist Church in 1976 and was privileged to have pastored and served in many communities in Michigan before retiring in 2006.
Pastor Barve adored his wife and loved his family and church family greatly. He enjoyed telling stories, laughing and joking with his grandchildren. His call to the ministry included preaching, puppets and magic as he desired to connect with people in multiple ways. He touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed.
Pastor Barve is survived by his children: Faith (John) McCallum of Midland, MI; David (Melissa) Barve of Mio, MI; Bette Barve (Robert Sproat) of Mason, MI and Rebekah Wallace (Jeffrey Pardeck) of Branson, MO; 13 grandchildren: Jennifer, J.D, Jessica, Kaitlyn, Elisabeth, Ashleigh, Matthew, Brittany, Brandon, Zachary, Michael, Eliza and Nathan; 5 great-grandchildren: Isaiah, Andrew, Joshuah, Landan and Ellah. He is also survived by 1 sister and 4 brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Judy; his son Michael and 1 brother. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 14, 2014 from 1-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Lashley Funeral Home in Mio, MI with the funeral service at 1 pm on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at the Mio Church of God. There will also be an opportunity for friends and loved ones to share and express thoughts in a memorial service on November 22, 2014 at 1 pm at the Dansville Free Methodist Church in Dansville, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI.