Rev. Vernon L. Macy age 91 of Hastings passed into the loving arms of God on August 3, 2017.
Left with memories of Vern are his granddaughter Celeste, nephew John Macy, the Evaline Koutz Macy family, Hastings Baptist Church and Bibleville friends, Missionary friends near and far and dear friend Kendrew Mueller.
We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Woodlawn Meadows and Dr. Wildren.
Vern’s life began with his mom ‘Bess’ praying that Vern would be a minister. His dad ‘Lawrence’ was a hardworking man but due to the depression, Vern was raised by his aunt and uncle, whom he called Dr. Dad and Dr. Mom. Vern attended church and accepted Jesus as his Savior at youth camp. Vern remembered his mom Bess’ desire to be a priest, and gave his life to the Lord, not knowing what it all meant. Vern went on to attend Taylor University, became a minister and pastored churches in Honduras, Grand Rapids, Maple Hill, West Windsor, Charlotte and Housel Michigan. Vern mastered the Spanish language and was always excited to inform people that he was fluent in Spanish....even the Barry County Transit bus drivers!
Vern met his first wife Veryl Pallas at Taylor and were married in 1948. Vern and Veryl adopted two children, Pamela Ann and Mark Lawrence. Vern had been attending the Baptist Seminary in Grand Rapids and began teaching at Woodbury, and Sunfield MI. Vern then graduated from Michigan State U with a degree in elementary education with emphasis in Science and Math., while at the same time filling the pulpit in many local churches.
Vern’s first wife Veryl passed away of cancer in 1985. Vern’s sorrow continued in 1986 when his son Mark met a tragic death. Vern’s daughter Pam had adopted a daughter Celeste and Vern doted on Celeste. Another tragic death saddened Vern’s heart with the death of his daughter Pam.
Vern retired after 38 years of pulpit ministry. He worked with members of the First Baptist Church of Hastings to rebuild camps in Alaska. Vern was gifted in music and sang with the ‘Brothers of Joy’.
Vern was lonely and the Lord led him to Evaline Koutz who was also lonely after the passing of her husband Rev. Leonard Koutz. Vern arrived like a barnstorm into her life. They were married in 1986.
Vern and ‘Evie’ ministered in Honduras, Bibleville in Texas and enjoyed summers at Gull Lake. Evie passed away in 2015, and Vern was faithful to visit her in the care facility. God provided that Vern was able to also live at Woodlawn Meadows for the last several years, enjoying lunch dates with Evie before she passed away.
Vern is rejoicing with the Lord now and would say to you as he always did instead of saying goodbye, ‘God Bless’.
‘Rejoice in the Lord evermore” 1 Thessalonians 4:16
Friends may call 5:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at Hastings Baptist Church, 309 E. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings, MI 49058. Another visitation and luncheon will be held 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Friday at the church. Funeral services will be officiated by Dr. Matt Moser 12:30 p.m. Friday, August 11, 2017. Interment will follow at Fuller Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Guideons International or Hastings Baptist Church. Arrangements are by Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com
