Baarman, Marvin C. (1919-1991) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Marvin C. Baarman (19 Jan 1919 – 21 Feb 1991) enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and he served honorably in North Africa, Italy, and in the South Pacific. After the war, Baarman enrolled in Calvin College and graduated in 1946 with an AB. He taught for two years at Oakdale Christian School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He then prepared for the ministry attending Calvin Theological Seminary from which he graduated in 1951 with a ThB. He then spent a year at Princeton, 1951-1952. From Princeton, he began his active ministry in Lodi, New Jersey, where he served from 1952-1956. In 1956, he moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, serving a church that was organized during his service there. He was appointed by Synod 1960 to serve as Executive Secretary of the Christian Reformed Board of Home Missions.

For fourteen years, until 1974, Baarman was energetically involved in the Home Missions programs of the denomination. The collection we have reveals the variety of activities he carried out in fulfillment of his task. He suffered from heart problems that led to an early retirement in 1974.

Baarman was predeceased by his wife Ophelia and son, Chris. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his daughters, Nori and Russell Bykerk; Margaret and Hank Kearney, along with 3 step-daughters and 7 grandchildren.