Efrain Barrera Maya, Sr.

Efrain Barrera Maya Sr. was born Aug. 12, 1956, in Sonora, Texas. He was the youngest of 10 siblings. As a child, his family relocated to Detroit, where he attended junior high, and high school, eventually meeting a young girl named Kathy at age 15, who would become the love of his life for the rest of his days. Efrain and Kathy were married on Sept. 7, 1976, and went on to have three sons: Jaime, Efrain Jr.”Bobby”, and Jesse. Efrain and Kathy became devoted Christians in the late 70s, and Efrain spent the rest of his life as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

Though crippled by a rare form of rheumatoid arthritis at age 27, he spent countless hours visiting and praying for the sick in hospitals and nursing homes around Kalamazoo, as well as sharing the gospel with whomever would give him an audience. He served faithfully as a deacon and evangelist at Trinity Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, Victory Baptist Church in Portage, Mich., and eventually accepting the call to become senior pastor of Keeler General Baptist Church in Hartford, where he served until his passing. He was used as an instrument of God to bring the gospel and true freedom to countless people.

He was a gracious, loving, caring man whose home was always open to the hurting and downtrodden. He lived his life concerned for two things, the only two things that will never pass away - the word of God, and the souls of men, and he never wavered in his work. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and pastor. He was in love with his grandchildren: Mahrijana (Bobby), Mateo, and Jesus “Jesse.” He was a father figure to so many young men and women - friends of his children, and nephews and nieces; many of whom never had a real father.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kathy. He is survived by his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and the multitude of men and women who knew him as their own dad.

Funeral service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4, at Keeler General Baptist Church, 63627 Territorial Road, Hartford, MI 49057. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Keeler General Baptist Church as well. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.