Joe John “John” Bland was born Oct. 11, 1944, in Midland, Texas, to Hoyt and Lena (Gibson) Bland. He was welcomed into his heavenly home on May 13, 2026, surrounded by family. John was 81 years young.
John’s parents lived on a ranch in Stanton, which was his first home, before moving to Garza County during his early childhood to be closer to his grandparents. John met his first love and the love of his life, Shirley Bostick, during his high school years in Post, and they dated throughout high school before marrying on June 5, 1964. John and Shirley made their first home in the Barnum Springs area, then moved to the Close City community, where they raised five children. They shared 47 years of marriage until Shirley’s passing in 2011.
John spent most of his life farming and ranching and had a love for writing songs and poems. His children recall always being able to find him sitting on the corner of his bed in the mornings, reading his Bible, strumming his guitar and singing.
John is survived by his five children, Tanya Vernon and husband, Danny, of Post, Mike Bland and wife, Tammy, of Post, Lance Bland and wife, Tina, of Acuff, Jarrett Bland and wife, LaRinda, of Robertson, and Jeremy Bland and wife, Toni, of Savage; 12 grandchildren, Colt Vernon and wife, Natalie, Kadie Tanner and husband, Matthew, Keylan Williams and wife, Alexis, D’Nae Gardner and husband, Brandon, Rhaeden Bland, Kacy McClure and husband, Brandon, Kutter Bland, Maegen Gully and husband, Ryan, Shawn Ledbetter, Cooper Bland, Diggs Bland and Dakota Bland; nine great-grandchildren, Emma Tanner, Isaac Tanner, Merritt Vernon, Maddox Gardner, Eiland Vernon, Cassie Tanner, Layla Williams, Halle Gully and Archer Gardner; a loving companion, Cherry Eckols; many cousins who were more like siblings; brotherin- law Danny Bostick and wife, Sharon; sister-in-law Sandra Harvey and husband, Bill; and numerous friends who were more like family.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Hoyt and Lena Bland, and his bride, Shirley Bostick Bland.
The family received friends Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Hudman Funeral Home.
The Celebration of Life memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2026, at First Baptist Church Post. Pastor Keith Garner of First Baptist Church Post and the Rev. John Bill Hedrick of Graham Methodist Church officiated. John was laid to rest in Terrace Cemetery. Funeral services were directed by Hudman Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Ragtown Gospel Theater or Post Animal Refuge Center.