PAULDING:
Lester C. Bland, age 72 died Thursday, September 3, 2015.
He was born August 27, 1943 in Paulding County, Ohio, the son of Cletus G. and Mabel L. (Saxton) Bland. On October 18, 1986 he married Patricia Giesken Messman, who survives. He was a US Navy veteran and retired in 1998 from BF Goodrich, Woodburn, IN where he served in numerous various positions including executive board and union steward. He was a strong fighter for his people of the union and was a proud American. He was a member of VFW Post #587 and Fraternal Order of Eagles #2405, Paulding.
He is also survived by his children: Rodney (Pamela) Bland, Delphos, Todd (Trish) Messman, Paulding, Daniel (Renee) Messman, Leo, IN, Karen Relyea, Defiance, Renee (Chad) Coutts, Hillard, OH; brothers: Glenn (Beverly) Bland, Defiance, Robert (Shirley) Bland, Antwerp, Harry (Pam) Bland, St. Joe, IN, Gregory Bland, Scott; sisters: Catherine (Jerry) Matson, Oakwood, Rae (Charles) Holtsberry, Paulding, Wilma Bland, Haviland; 20 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Sandra Kay Bland.
Funeral services will be 11 AM Wednesday, September 9 at Paulding Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in Hedges Cemetery, Paulding County, with military graveside services.
Visitation will be 2 – 8 PM Tuesday, September 8 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, and one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to Gardens of Paulding Activity Fund; Paulding County Hospital; or Paulding Church of the Nazarene.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com
