Michael Tallman Vaini, 78, of Springfield, Missouri entered the gates of heaven at 7:44pm on September 15, 2025. He was born July 2, 1947, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri to Lorenzo and Norma Tallman Vaini. Mike was attending SMS when he met and fell in love with Linda Turner. They were married on April 8, 1967.

Mike was employed at Kraft foods for 35 years and retired as raw materials manager.

Mike dedicated his adult life to the service of Jesus, his church and his family and friends. Mike was a proud member of First Church of the Nazarene for 75 years. He was a loyal and faithful servant of God. Mike held many positions within the church and was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Nazarene Denomination.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Linda; his sons, David from Springfield, Marc and his wife, Andi, of West Plains, Missouri, his daughter, Kathryn Diane and husband, James Moriarity of Edmond, Oklahoma; 2 grandchildren Blake Malley and Grant Malley of Wisconsin; a sister, Rebecca and husband James Hawkins of Springfield; a special cousin, Jolene Puckett of Springfield and many special nieces and nephews; his teacher and mentor Jerry Fenton; best friends, Danny Burlison of Springfield; Dan Cook of St Mary's, Ohio; Robert Vartan of Seymour, TN and Kenneth Blunt of Ozark.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, a special cousin, Roy Fritz of Paducah, Kentucky; a cherished niece, Teresa Martin of Carthage, Missouri; a beloved nephew Derrick Vartan of Seymour, Tennessee and his loyal
four-legged friends Whiskers and Brinkley.

Visitation will be held at Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM followed by funeral service at 11:00 AM in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 East Seminole Street, Springfield, MO 65804. Private burial will be in Maple Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local no-kill animal shelter or charity of your choice.