Bland, John Harvey

John Harvey Bland, 72, of Christiansburg, went to be with his Lord on April 12, 2008. He went peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family who loved him very dearly.

He was a veteran of the United States Army and retired from Meadico Lock Co. He was the son to the late Arthur R. and Esther M. Bland. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of eighteen years, Mary Bane; one stepson, James Bane; one grandson, William Lee Dickerson and his wife, Misty all of Christiansburg; one greatgrandson, Nicholas Allen Dickerson (that he loved and was his little buddy, who he loved to take fishing), a step granddaughter, Lori Abbott; two stepgrandchildren, LeLand Abbott, Danyel Ritter; and daughter-in-law, Loretta Bane. Also, two brother-in-Iaws and wives, Thomas and Doris Bane and Gene and Bessie Bane of Lexington, Va.; very good, special friends, Lindsey Collins, Joan Heslep, Paul, Tina and Frankie Dowdy. John will never be forgotten. .

The family will receive friends Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Horne Funeral Home and the funeral will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home chapel, conducted by the Rev. Gary Sheppard and the Rev. Rick Collins followed by military honors. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.homefuneralservice.com