Robert Marlin Bland, Sr.

Robert Marlin Bland Sr., 86, passed away at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home on August 31, 2018.

Bob served our country in the Korean War with the United States Navy and also served in the United States Coast Guard. Mr. Bland served on the destroyer, USS Collett and enjoyed many reunions with his wife and fellow sailors in the years to follow. He retired from PPG as a machinist and was a member of the International Association of Machinist Aerospace Workers. Bob was a member of Moss Bluff Baptist Church and Maranatha Christian Center in Orange, TX. In his free time he enjoyed working in his yard and always maintained a garden. Although a quiet and humble man, he was quite generous and liked to lend a hand or fix things for his friends and family. His family remembers him as a supportive father and grandfather. He would often bring his son fishing to Toledo Bend and going to his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Mr. Bland is survived by his daughter, Sherry Bland Dartez and husband Danny; son Marlin Bland and wife Allison; six grandchildren, Dale, Michelle, Justin, Brandon, Sean, and Ross; six great grandchildren; brother, Terry Bland; and sister-in-law, Merle Lynn Woolley.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Christine Cecile Bland; and parents, Ira and Ruby Bland.

A funeral service will be held at Johnson Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 10AM. Rev. Dan Ray will officiate. Burial will follow at New Ritchie Cemetery. Visitation will begin at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 4 from 5PM to 8PM and will resume Wednesday at 9AM until the start of the service.