John Bland,

View Video Tribute John M. Bland Sr. took the Lord's hand as he left this earth Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at the age of 90. John was preceded in death by two sons, his infant son; his eldest son, John Bland Jr.; his devoted wife of 58 years, Melba; parents, James Monroe and Nancy Alice Reeves Bland; brother, James Finley Bland; and sisters, Floy Avance, Serene Gwatney, Ellen Roberts, Alice Nuesche, Aumegine Gwatney and Lavana Gotcher. He is survived by two loving children, Michael L. Bland (Marylou) and Donna J. Thornton (Danny). John was affectionately known as Papaw to his six grandchildren, Debbie Haley (Byron), John M. Bland III, Bobby Gassaway (Laurie), Johnathan Gassaway (Melissa), Michael Chad Bland, Timothy Bryan Bland (Brandie); twelve loving great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. John was employed by Missouri Pacific/Union Pacific Railroad for 35 years, retiring after a train accident in Neelyville, Missouri in June of 1977. He was injured as a result of the accident and later retired due to his injuries. John followed in his father's footsteps and became a locomotive engineer. Railroading was a family tradition for the Bland family. John's grandfather worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, his father was a locomotive engineer for Missouri Pacific, both of John's sons, John Jr. and Mike followed in John's footsteps and became locomotive engineers for Missouri Pacific/Union Pacific Railroad and four of his grandchildren, John M. Bland III, Michael Chad Bland, Timothy Bryan Bland and Bobby Gassaway also became locomotive engineers. John served 38 months in the Army during World War II, being drafted in 1941. He served in the U.S. Army Railway Battalion in France, England, and Wales. John was awarded the Bronze star for bravery under fire while serving in France. John was a dedicated member of Sylvan Hills Community Church for 45 years, where he faithfully taught a Sunday school class until moving to Plainview, Arkansas so he could be closer to his beloved Lake Nimrod, where he hunted and fished until he was 87 years old. John later moved back to Elmcroft Assisted Living Center of Sherwood as his health started to deteriorate. The family wishes to thank all of the employees at Elmcroft for their loving care and affection given to John during his three years as a resident Funeral service will be held at noon Saturday in the North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Edgewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until service Saturday at the funeral home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.

John Bland,

November 18, 1921 - April 4, 2012