John Walter Ryland Jr., age 88, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2014 in West Branch, MI. John has lived in West Branch for his entire life. He was born to John Sr. and Emily (Perkins) Ryland in Whittemore, MI on July 28, 1926. John was a past member of the Moose Lodge and the Eagles Club. He was a member of the Operating Engineers, and in 1972 he started STAR Asphalt. He passed his business down to his son-in-law and daughter, Don and Sandra Hodgins, and is now known as Hodgins Asphalt which is currently owned and operated by his grandson, Donnie Hodgins. John was a U.S. Navy Vet and served during WWII. He enjoyed going to auction sales and buying and selling scrap metal.
John is survived by his children, Sandra (Don) Hodgins of West Branch and Tom (Renee) Ryland of West Branch; grandchildren: Donnie (Keri) Hodgins of West Branch, Tonya Hodgins of West Branch, Tony (Mary Jo) Ryland of West Branch, and Tracey Ryland of West Branch; great grandchildren: Katie, Kelby, Kadon, Merik, Livi, Hudson, and Corbin; siblings: Douglas (Dorothy) Ryland of Whittemore, MI and Velma Sharrow of West Branch; and longtime friend, Brenda Murphy of West Branch. He is preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; infant daughter, Pamela Jean; brothers: George, James, and Fred; and sister, Emily.
Cremation has taken place and he will be buried next to his wife, Bonnie, at Brookside Cemetery in West Branch, MI. There will be a private family burial service, then the public are welcome to a luncheon at the Eagles Club in West Branch on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice Advantage 3217 W. M-55, Suite B West Branch, MI 48661.
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