Joe John “John” Bland was born October 11, 1944, in Midland 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; twelve 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; brother-in-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 will receive friends on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hudman Funeral Home.

The Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, at First Baptist Church Post. Pastor Keith Garner of First Baptist Church Post and Rev. John Bill Hedrick of Graham Methodist Church will officiate. John will be laid to rest in Terrace Cemetery. Funeral services will be directed by Hudman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Ragtown Gospel Theater or Post Animal Refuge Center.

Ragtown Gospel Theater 870 Ragtown Road Post, TX 79356

Post Animal Refuge Center 914 W 14th Street Post, TX 79356