Verne Lee Hargrave

Verne Lee Hargrave, Jr.

Verne Lee Hargrave, Jr., was born August 1, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Verne Sr. and Jessie Hargrave and passed away at home June 18, 2026. He loved his family and friends, sports, especially baseball, traveling, and learning about a wide variety of topics, especially American history and theology. His favorite minds were C.S. Lewis, N.T. Wright, John Stott, and Dallas Willard.

He was a longtime Sunday School teacher and lifelong member of First Baptist Church, Arlington. When he was born, his father took him from the hospital nursery to meet Dr. Meredith, the former pastor of FBC, who was on his death bed in the same hospital. He was grateful to have met Dr. Meredith and to be pastored throughout his life by Dr. East, Dr. Wade, and Dr. Wiles. He was led by Dr. East to accept Christ as his Lord and Savior at 9 years old.

He was married to Karen Flechtner, his high school sweetheart, for 55 years. They met in the youth group at First Baptist and were married when they were 19 and 21 years old.

Verne was a lifelong resident of Arlington, attending Arlington High and UTA. He enjoyed working closely with the Arlington High Alumni Association and was named AHS Distinguished Alumni in 2018. He earned an MBA from Dallas Baptist University, where he later taught accounting courses as an adjunct professor.

Verne and Karen, along with Randy and Debbie Davis, Dana and Judy Hamilton, and David and Susan Ricks, planted Grace Street Fellowship, which is now a thriving Mission Arlington church. That group of church planters became beloved lifelong friends. After his ministry at Grace Street, Verne and Karen, along with Charlie and Kay Goodyear, began the Bible Study 101 Sunday School department, which is a thriving community within First Baptist.

Verne spent his career as a nonprofit auditor at a local accounting firm, PSK. He developed a strong niche at the firm in the church services arena. The niche remains a significant part of PSK, providing churches all across the United States with services. He worked for PSK for almost 50 years and was a partner for 35 years. He was also a Certified Fraud Examiner. He authored a book entitled Weeds in the Garden, an assistance to churches to prevent fraud. He was passionate about helping churches organize their finances and operate above reproach, often leading churches in best practices seminars. He was recognized by the National Association of Church Business Administrators as a Hall of Fame Significant Contributor to the field in 2015. Countless people and ministries benefited from his wisdom and guidance.

Above all, Verne loved spending time with the people closest to him. He traveled often with his wife and friends, attended countless sporting events with his son, and shared weekly conversations with his daughter over meals. He loved spending time with his daughter-in-law, Michele, and his son-in-law, Kevin. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, Tyler and Blair.

Verne and his family would like to thank three incredible women who helped take care of him in his last days. Sharun Stanley, Erika Patterson, and Vicky Monroy served, prayed over, and loved Verne as he made his way home to the Lord. They were a tremendous blessing to both him and his family.

Verne is preceded in death by his parents, Verne Sr. and Jessie Hargrave; and sisters, Phyllis Forehand, Judy Johnson, and Linda Hargrave. He is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Blake Hargrave and wife, Michele; daughter, Katie Brewer and husband, Kevin; grandchildren, Tyler, Blair, and Travis, due September 2026.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, at Wade Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, at First Baptist Church Arlington, with a graveside service to follow at Moore Memorial Gardens.