Efrain Maya, Sr.

Efrain Barrera Maya Sr. was born August 12, 1956 in Sonora, TX. He was the youngest of ten siblings. As a child, his family relocated to Detroit, MI, 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 September 7, 1976, and went on to have three sons, Jaime, Efrain Jr.(Bobby), and Jesse. Efrain and Kathy became devoted Christians in the late 70's, 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, MI, 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, MI, Victory Baptist Church in Portage, MI, and eventually accepting the call to become Senior Pastor of Keeler General Baptist Church in Hartford, MI, 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 Thursday, May 4th, at 6:30pm at The Church - Keeler, 63627 Territorial Rd., Hartford, MI 49057. In lieu of flowers and donations, they may be sent to The Church- Keeler as well.