1943 – 2022
Calvin A. Burrell was born June 22, 1943, to Lawrence and Lottie Burrell in their Fairview, Oklahoma home. He passed away in his home June 29, 2022, at age 79.
Calvin married Barbara Ann Mann on May 29, 1966. They have three daughters: Debra Arlene, Darla Sue, and Donna May.
After receiving a BA in teaching from Northwestern Teachers College in Alva, Oklahoma, Calvin earned a master of religion degree from Bethany Nazarene College. He was president of the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day); editor of the Bible Advocate (the Church’s magazine); president of the International Ministerial Congress; and director of Missions Abroad. He also taught at Summit School of Theology, LifeSpring, and Artios.
In addition to these positions, Calvin was a teacher and principal at Spring Vale Academy and pastored churches in Fort Smith, Arkansas; Shawnee, Oklahoma; Denver, Colorado; and Houston, Texas. He was a published author, served on countless boards and advisory committees, and did so much more. He enjoyed serving the Lord in many capacities.
Calvin loved preaching and teaching, mission work, editing, as well as ministering to whomever came in his path. His love for the Lord showed in his interactions with others, whether family, friend, or stranger.
Calvin also loved the outdoors; hiking was what he liked best. He took on all 54 of the 14,000-foot mountains in Colorado and many in other states. He enjoyed golfing and sightseeing throughout the United States and other countries.
Calvin is survived by Barbara Burrell, wife of 56 years; three children: Debra (Craig) Hawkins, Darla (Sean) Mills, Donna (Todd) Larson; 17 grandchildren: Faith (Cody) Degraffenreed, Makaela (Martin) Salinas, Jadon Mills, Danielle Hawkins, Jace Mills, Alexa Larson, Paige Mills, Ava Larson, Josiah Hawkins, Paityn Mills, Isaiah Larson, Nate Mills, Calvin Hawkins, Kade Mills, Elijah Larson, Chael Mills and Laila Mills; three great-grandchildren: Braxton Degraffenreed, Shawn Degraffenreed, and Liberty Salinas; siblings: Bryan (Sue) Burrell, David (Cathy) Burrell, and Mary Helen McClendon. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Celebration of Life will be Sunday, July 10, at 2:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time) at Marion Church of God (Seventh Day), 7478 Stayton Road SE, Turner, OR 97392. It will also be live streamed through YouTube channel MarionCoG7.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers: Bible Advocate Press or Artios Christian College, P.O. Box 33677, Denver, CO 80233.
