Born Sept. 11, 1912, in Smallett Rev. G. Larkin Haden, 93, of Springfield, answered Jesus’ call and took the hand of his Lord and Savior to join him in Heaven on June 10, 2006 at the Gainesville (Mo.) Care Center surrounded by his loving family.
Larkin was born Sept. 11, 1912, in Smallett, to G.W. Owen and Sarah Elizabeth (Kester) Haden. He married Velma Fay Martin on March 1, 1935. They started their lives together as farmers. Larkin was converted at a camp meeting in September 1935 and soon felt the call of God to preach. His ministry spanned 60 years serving General Baptist churches and Methodist churches, living in several different towns in Missouri.
He was a member of East Side General Baptist Church of Springfield.
He helped bring many people to God and made a difference in so many lives. He made so many good and longtime friends along the way.
He and Velma loved for their family and friends to come and visit them. Velma could cook delicious meals and they both enjoyed having everyone around them playing games and laughing. His grandchildren meant the world to him and they were always welcome at his house. His house was the house of the “fun” grandma and grandpa. They always had some kind of “treat” for them, even if it was a quarter to walk to the store for a candy bar. There were many good times and many good memories at the Haden home; it was a house full of love.
Larkin was preceded in death by Velma, after 52 years of marriage in 1987. Also his parents, his brother, Durard Haden, three sisters, Ruby Huber, Faye Richardson, Sylvia Dunn Miller, a son, Harold Haden, a grandson, Paul Twitty Haden and his son-in-law, Bob Rhoads.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Okema Haden, Hartville; daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Jerry Fouts, Ozark, and daughter, Janice Rhoads, Kansas City; a sister, Dorothy Kimbler, Ava; brothers and sisters-in-law, Louie and Eula Wallace, Gainesville, Bob and Fern Rhoads, Rogersville, and sister-in-law, Norene Martin, Ava; his 10 grandchildren, Mike Fouts, Tony Fouts, Mike Haden, Mark Haden, Sheri Scobee, Payton Haden, Tonja Coleman, Michele Walker, Randy Rhoads, Jeff Haden, their spouses and 26 great-grandchildren. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
His family leaves him in the presence of a just and merciful Father, feeling that he is at rest with the Lord. A visitation will be held from 10 – 11 a.m. Saturday, June 17 at the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava. A memorial service will follow. Burial will be at Ava Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make any contributions to the East Side General Baptist Church, 1606 N. Oak Grove Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65803; or to the charity of donor’s choice.
