Michael Grant Carkhuff - Cremation Society of Virginia

Michael Grant Carkhuff

January 3, 1945 - January 1, 2021

Temple Baptist Church

235 Harpersville Road

Newport News, VA 23601

Saturday 1/16, 11:00 am

Face masks and social distancing are required.

Michael Grant Carkhuff was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Friday January 1^st, 2021. What a great way to start the New Year! He was born January 3^rd, 1945 in Long Beach, CA. Mike spent many years in Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout in 1960. He has been a peninsula resident for 21 years.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years Carole Ray; two daughters, Kelly Fox (Peter) their 3 children, Rachelle (Don John), David & James of Newport News, VA and; Chrise’ McCaskey (Casey) her 3 children, Kayla, Grace & Dustin of Pontiac, IL. He is also survived by a great granddaughter (Audrey-Ann), his beloved brother Richard (Jan) of Bend, OR and Marylil and Vince Spady of Soldotna, AK.

The family will welcome friends to Mike’s “Celebration of Life” service on Saturday, January 16^th at 11 am at Temple Baptist Church, located at 235 Harpersville Rd., Newport News, VA 23601 (Between Jefferson and Warwick Blvd).

Mike served his country in the United States Army by enlisting in July 1965. He attended Basic Training at Fort Ord, Monterey, CA. He then went on to Jump School at Fort Benning, GA and then Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA where he graduated on October 5^th 1966. Among his tours in the Adjutant General Corp he served 2 tours in Vietnam: 67/68 (Tet Offensive 1968), Oct 72/March 73. Mike was on the last flight out of DaNang, Vietnam in March of 1973. Additional tours included: MilPerCen, The Pentagon, Fort Lenard Wood (Battalion Commander), Presidio San Francisco, War College at Fort McNair (The Eisenhower School of National Security and Resources Strategy), the NATO Staff Officer Course, Naples Italy, and NATO Command AF South. Col. Mike Carkhuff retired after 28 years’ service in October of 1993. Among his awards and citations are: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, and Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Colonel Carkhuff earned the Parachutist badge, Recruiter Badge, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge and he is a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Mike and Carole were baptized together in 1977 and thus began their journey in serving Jesus Christ. They became full time missionaries with campus Crusade for Christ – Military Ministry in 1994 where Mike served as the Human Resources Director. In 2001, he started “Family Ministry” within Military Ministry, focusing on military marriages. God then directed Mike to build Family Ministry teams throughout the United States. Mike was the director of Family Ministry, which coordinated Marriage Seminars with chaplains to be held both domestically and abroad. God truly created and expanded the Family Ministry Teams. In our local community of Fort Eustis/Newport News, Mike and Carole organized and lead “Marriage Enrichment” couple’s Bible based studies since 2004. They strongly believe that the Blueprint for marriage, in God’s Word, guides couples in their commitment to God and each other. Mike and Carole served Cru as Emeritus Staff and Carole will continue to serve.

For those that spent time with Mike, you may have heard these words often: “I Love it when a plan comes together!”, “Turn out the lights the parties over”, “Making my eyes sweat”, “Having more fun than we are authorized!”, “Every day is a recruiting day.” Mike would always look you in the eyes and give you a hug, or hand shake, of sincerity!

Mike served his Lord, Jesus Christ, his wife and family. Faith, Family, Freedom!

Memorial contributions may be given online at:

https://give.cru.org/0760067

Donated funds will help Cru Military Ministry to continue doing what Mike loved; that of serving military men, women, and families in Hampton Roads.

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Temple Baptist Church

235 Harpersville Road

Newport News, VA 23601

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Saturday 1/16, 11:00 am

Face masks and social distancing are required.

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Michael Grant Carkhuff was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Friday January 1st, 2021. What a great way to start the New Year! He was born January 3rd, 1945 in Long Beach, CA. Mike spent many years in Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout in 1960. He has been a peninsula resident…

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Dear Carol, I am very saddened to hear of Mike's passing. Mike gave of himself so freely to the Lord and to His work. I know you will treasure the years you worked together in His service. You both have huge hearts for God's people that serves as a beautiful example of how to love others. I wish I could sit in on God's "Well, done, good and faithful servant!" as He reviews Mike's loyal service and then tosses him the crown.

CAROLE, What a blessing to remember you and Mike as he was the first one we met when the Lord brought us to Military Ministry. Mike was absolutely the perfect person to head the Ministry, encouraging us to join in. Our fondest memories of the two of you are the times we shared in serving together at many different places. Mike and Donn Carlson made a perfect team to make things happen ... as he would always say "We are going to be flexibly rigid". I can hear him saying it even now and then following it with "Huaaaaa". Mike leaves a wonderful legacy for all of us to follow.....how very thankful that we had the privilege of knowing and serving along side of him. He was a VERY special man and friend. Our prayer is that the Lord will uphold you with His righteous right hand and be your comfort and peace in days to come. Wish that we had had one more opportunity to have a meal at 3 Amigoes, but we will always have special memories of those times we ate together and shared in what the Lord was doing through the MINISTRY. Our home address is Denver, North Carolina....we would love to see you any time. We pray God's Blessings as you go forth. Morrie & Shirley but we will continue to pray for you as you go through the coming days.

Carole ,Thank you so much for your generosity of love and kindness .May you and your family overflow with strength as you mourn the loss of " sweet Mike." We love you so much Be Blessed of our Lord

Carole ,Thank you so much for your generosity of love and kindness .May you and your family overflow with the wisdom and strenas you mourn the loss of sweet Mike.

Carole, I was so sad to here of Mike's passing. Although I only met Mike on one or two occasions his reputation preceded him, which made me feel as if I did know him. So many at the chapel loved and respected the two of you and how you lived and worked for the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the sweet memories and the legacy Mike left continue to fill your/family hearts and may the comfort of Holy Spirit heal your hearts. Blessings

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Carole & family, We have walked alongside you and Mike for many years now. We can still remember the first time we met out at MCAS El Toro when you all visited our Homebuilders groups in base house. We have a lot of years together with you both. We will miss Mike's smile, hugs and bubbling over with enthusiasm for Jesus that was so much a part of his character when we were with him. Although we all mourn, heaven rejoices. He is in the presence of the King. We love you and hurt deeply for your family as you all mourn. Lean on Jesus during this difficult times and know that as you lean on Jesus, Mike is there with Him. In His grip, Tom & Amy

Mike brought life everywhere he went. He exercised his "gift of encouragement" faithfully and generously. We were never in his presense without receiving the encouragement of the Lord. It was holy and beautiful. Carol - we love you and are before the Father with you and for you. May our good Father continue to help you mourn. Your faith is beautiful.

Oh sweet Carol and family, John and I are deeply sorry for the loss of Mike! We pray that you will find comfort and peace… what a testimony you both have always been to us. God grant your family comfort beyond understanding, love, John and Maria❤️

Dear Sister Carol, we know you miss Mike terribly, yet celebrate his graduation, as he called it, into the arms of Jesus. I love the Mike quotes, and we heard all of them, but our dearest memory of Mike is his faithfulness in presenting the Gospel in every possible environment and circumstance. He loved like Jesus loved and his legacy includes his investment, love and encouragement to us personally and to many others who will someday "linkup" with him in Heaven. Steve and Carleene Myer

Sister in Christ Jesus, Mike has lived a life worth emulation. May the God of all comfort sustain you in strength and comfort as you walk in Mike's love and honor. You both are a blessing unto me and so many others within the community. Thank you for your commitment to holiness. May Mike rest in peace and may you continue in your convictions and blessed assurance. Amen. Your brother and sister in the body of Christ. Nicholas & Kelli

My most sincere condolences on your loss Carole. I am truly saddened. I did not know Mike personally but always saw you both together at chapel. Thank you for your service to God and country Mike. RIP.

Carole, Louie and I will be thinking of you during this time. Mike always had an amazing way of making everyone feel comfortable and welcome. Just as you both went out of your way to invite us over to your house at Thanksgiving one year, and just to have dinner another. I loved planting flowers with you guys at your house. And ofcourse all the times we spent with you both at marriage enrichment. I can never repay you guys for the love and devotion that you both showed to our family. I always remember Christians half birthday Mar 23rd. I think of you every year. I just wish we could be there now to help you out. Im praying for you and all of your family Carole.

Dear Carole, we are absolutely heartbroken and send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Mike leaves behind an enormous legacy as a husband, father, grandfather, and missionary to the military. There is no question he set the bar high for the rest of us in every respect. We are so grateful he recruited us to serve alongside him and many others as we have had "more fun than we were authorized." We love you and pray the God of ALL comfort will sustain you and your family in the days ahead.

Dearest Carole, I can not believe that Mike is no longer here with us. He was an incredible blessing to both of us. The ministry times we shared with you two were always so sweet. After Mike worships our Lord face to face possibly he will be found fishing on a heavenly river. Our love and prayers are yours. Kit and Drew

Our condolences to Carole and family. We enjoyed talking to you and Mike while we attended the Ft. Eustis Chapel.

Carole, we were so stunned to hear about Mike. He was such a blessing to us, as were you, during the marriage enrichment classes and the spouse dinners at Fort Eustis. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks to you both for being lights for us. God bless you!

Carole, smiles of gratitude for the privilege of knowing Mike and praying for you as your journey continues. Every day was indeed a recruiting day. Scott and I were welcomed with open arms to Military Ministry by him. A smile and a warm hug could be counted on. I’m grateful.

Carole and Family; I have known Mike since Jr. High School. Sixty four years to cultivate a friendship. This bond was enhanced by our love for Jesus Christ our Savior. Mike never missed an opportunity to share Jesus. Mike and Carole visited with us on many occasions. What a grand time we had. Now that Mike has preceded us into eternity, I can only imagine the wonderful reunion that will take place when it's my turn to cross Jordan. Mike, you are missed but not forgotten. You leave a wonderful legacy. Love you my brother, Edd & Sherry

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.