Larry Layne Gerner, age 80

Brother Larry Layne Gerner fought a good fight and has finished his course in this earthly tabernacle and now awaits the Resurrection with its rewards. He was born at home in Weston, MO, on 3-4-1941 to Ward Okley and Yvonne Leona “Bonnie” (Allison) Gerner. He is preceded in death by two younger infant brothers, his parents, and grandparents. He enjoyed his childhood years, romping with the family dog, and fishing on the family dairy farm outside of Cameron, MO. In his later school years, he played basketball on the Cameron high school team. He was a member of the US Air Force and laments the changes that have totally overcome this nation that he once loved and held dear.

The Lord touched his life as a child and though it took him many years to finally grasp hold of His hand firmly, once he did, he’s never let go. He came into the Body of Christ under the tutorage of Bro Robert Goff, an extremely gifted man of God in Sheldon, MO, in 1973. This small band of saints moved on to Joplin later that year. For 10 years, Bro Gerner was as a sponge, soaking up the doctrines and teachings that were diligently preached by Bro Goff. He served first as a student and later as one of the elders in the Joplin church, continually growing in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

After the Lord directly called Bro Gerner into the ministry in January of 1984, He then led him to St Joseph, MO, where a chosen family was searching for more of God.  He was as Abraham, wholly following whither so ever the good Lord leadeth, for strait is the gate and narrow is the way and few there be that find it. After he found that way, he never looked back, but totally committed his life to the Lord’s service for over 48 years. These last almost18 years were spent in the small farming community in the middle of Arkansas reaching out through different gifts of the ministry –minister, pastor, and later as prophet– to as many as he could, trying to draw others into the Ark of safety. He was as a scribe writing a plethora of papers and booklets on a variety of Biblical topics given by the unction of the Holy Spirit for the edification of those who have a desire for more knowledge of our great and mighty God. With the Lord Jesus Christ as the head of the church, Bro Gerner was there as a servant to consult, inspire, and stimulate those in the assembly to press on, to overcome, and to complete their own course in this life. When questioned about most any matter, spiritual or natural, he always encouraged us to first “pray about it” ….to do right….to seek the Lord in everything. Help is available to us if we but ask…. the choice is ours.

After being sick this whole new year, he died quietly at home early on the evening of January 24^th, 2022, with his wife of 48 years, Teresa, by his side. Bro and Sis Gerner were blessed with three natural children, Josiah Ward Gerner (special friend, Haley), Sara Elizabeth Hall (husband, Charlie), and Philip Kenneth Gerner (our Master electrician!); also, a spiritual son and friend, Bro Alex Stout (Sis Raina) and their 3 beautiful daughters who are like granddaughters to us. In addition, and for 10 yrs., 3 very special children…Ethan Garrett Putt, Allison Marie Putt, and Madeleine Grace Putt…shared and filled our lives with much joy and so many precious memories. They will always occupy a large place in our hearts…. We also treasure the many years of friendship and devotion of Sis Shelly Stout.

Bro Gerner would urge all who read this little summary of his earthly life, to not tarry, to not listen to excuses that might distract your mind, but to earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints, to run with patience the race that is set before you and to finish your course. Jesus is coming soon but the Scriptures ask, will He find faith on the earth when He returns??  Determine NOW to be a part of the faithful few who will hail His return!

A memorial service honoring Bro Gerner’s life will be held Saturday, February 5, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Kingdom Gospel of Jesus Christ Church, 121 N. Allis, England, AR.

THESE, WITH ME, WILL BE FORGOTTEN

March 3, 2002

Whimsy’s night and memory’s’ reflection;

Warm winter’s heat, mellow day’s distraction.

Both give glide, make front door free,

Easing entry for treasures taken from me.

Gentle Jim puts his hand through the door,

“What’s happenin’?” a smile, his shade, nothing more.

Then Martha, dominant, “hesitates”,

“Hello?” she offers, a doubt, stands and waits.

“Hiya kid!” brash, painted and buxom,

Aunt Margaret I loved has gilded come.

“Well Hi”, with kindly smile, gentle eye,

Wife’s mother, friendly, wondered why.

Shy smile, flicker, eye glance, always strong,

Dad comes, no word gives, rage, never wrong.

There are more that crowd that shadowy door,

Married, natural kin, friends, walk my floor.

And loneliness for that lovely moment lifts,

Well flavored by these friends’ matchless gifts.

Arrangements are entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service. 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076.