Mike Vandergriff

Ronald Michael Vandergriff, also known by family and friends as “Mike”, was born on February 14, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, a son of the late Earl Melvin Vandergriff and the late Violet Alberta (Hedrick) Vandergriff.

Mike grew up in Cadet, Missouri, as one of five children. He attended both Kingston School and Potosi High where he graduated from. After graduating, Mike married the love of his life, Lana Benson on November 26, 1964. Mike and Lana eventually moved to a few states for Mike’s job with the Carpenters Union. Later, they returned to Potosi where his ministry flourished. Mike pastored several different Baptist churches through the years. In addition to pastoring, Mike also enjoyed singing and leading worship service. Above all, Mike loved the Lord and such a deep passion for sharing the Gospel with everyone. Besides for Lana, his grandchildren brought so much joy into his life. He loved his grandkids. A few additional things that Mike found enjoyment in were: fishing, painting, camping, traveling being outdoors, and Cardinals Baseball.

Mike went to his Heavenly Home on Friday night, September 1, 2023 at the age of 80.

Those who remain to treasure his memory include his wife of 58 years, Lana Vandergriff; three children: Rhonda Lurkins (husband, Kevin), Linda Vandergriff, and Rev. David Vandergriff (wife, Janie); four grandchildren: Matthew, Katie, Andrew, and Grace; two siblings: Vivian "Jeri" Lee and Larry Vandergriff (wife, Phyllis); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: in-laws: Judy Vandergriff, Larry Benson, David (Karen) Benson, Janice Coleman Eye, Jill (Pat) DeClue, Jeff (Tammy) Benson, and Chris Benson. Mike is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In addition to his father and mother, Mike was preceded in death by two siblings: Shirley Vandergriff and Virgil Vandergriff; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Paul and Jetty Benson; and in-laws: Earl Lee, Brenda and Vernon Marler, Monk Coleman and Wendell Eye.

A time of visitation will be held Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 11 am until the time of his Funeral Service at 1 pm held at DeClue Funeral Home, 301 East High Street, Potosi, MO 63664. Dr. Mark Livingston will be officiating, assisted by Elder Leonard Compton. Musical Selections will be “How Great Thou Art” and “Christ, Our Hope in Life and Death”.

Interment and Final Prayers will be held at Redbud Memorial Gardens. Funeral arrangements were respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home.