Reverend Vernon Longstaff, 92, of Springfield, went to live with his Lord on Sunday, July 11, 2011, after a short stay at Maranatha Village and a seven month battle with cancer.
Vernon was born February 10, 1919 in Topeka, Kansas. He married Glen Nora Zirkle on March 14, 1942. She preceded him in death in December, 1999. To this union were born three children. One son Ray died in 1994. Vernon is survived by a daughter, Glenda and her husband Ron of Wamego, Kansas and a son, Gary and his wife Kathy of Springfield; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren, and one sister, Dorothy Shutts of Topeka, Kansas.
Reverend Longstaff was ordained to the gospel ministry in 1952. He served as pastor to nine churches in four states. He was still active in church attendance and loved to preach and teach.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, July 12, 2011. The memorial service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 13, 2011. Graveside services and burial will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 14, 2011 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Berryton, Kansas. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may7 be made to Precious Memories, in care of Grandview Baptist Church.”Well done, good and faithful servant.”