Robert L. Small Sr.

Minister Robert L. Small, Sr. Battle Creek Minister Robert L. Small, Sr., 72, of Battle Creek passed away Thursday, December 2, 2010 at Laurels of Bedford. He was born August 31, 1938 in Alton, Illinois the son of Maceo and Gloria (Barnett) Small. Robert accepted Christ at an early age at Coles Chapel Church. He attended Battle Creek Central High School. Robert was a minister at Bright Star Church for many years. He also was a minister at Full Gospel Center in the early 70's under the leadership of Apostles Williams. He later was a minister at Bethel Temple C.O.G.I.C. under the late Pastor Joseph C. Mauch. Robert was superintendent of Sunday School. He worked at United Steel and Wire for many years. He was a foster parent for 12 years. Robert enjoyed fishing and being with his children. He married Katie May McCray in 1956 and they had four children, Melvin D., Robert L. Jr., Debra and Katie Small. He then married Vera Davis and they had five children, Carman, Melvin, Verdell, Marcell and Marise; grandchildren, Chrystal, Dont'a, Jamaria, Zaria, Melanice, Monquie; sisters, Deloris Houston, Barbara Fisher; brothers, Maceo Small, Jr. and Kenneth LeRoy Small; very close friends, Lonnie Marshall, Charles Jones; and a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maceo and Gloria (Barnett) Small. Funeral services will be held Friday, 1:00 p.m. at Bachman Hebble Funeral Service with family hour from 11:30 a.m. Bishop Essie Ingram officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorial tributes may be made to Full Gospel Deliverance Center. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145 www.bachmanhebble.com