Raymond L. Bland

Raymond L. Bland, 80 of Warren, OH, died Wednesday, August 8, 2007. He was born May 11, 1927 in Warren, OH, son of the late Clifford Bland and the late Georgia (Carr) Bland. Mr. Bland was a lifetime resident of Warren and served in the U.S. Navy. He was President of Automotive Inc. of Warren and the Pine Franklin Company, family owned businesses for most of his life. He was a member of First United Methodist Church serving on multiple committees and as a Trustee. Recently, he served on a committee to visit shut-ins and nursing home residents. Mr. Bland belonged to The Warren Rotary Club for about 40 years serving as President in 1992-1993, and receiving the Distinguished Rotarian Award for the year 2000 and named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a Board of Trustees member for: The Trumbull County Historical Society, SCOPE were he also served as current assistant treasurer and past president, United Way of Trumbull County, The Warren Library Association were he also served as Assistant Treasurer. Mr. Bland was a member of: Warren Area Jaycees, Ohio Historical Society, a 50+ year member of American Legion Post 278, Elks Lodge #295, CRA Advisory Committee of Bank One, Old Erie #3 F. & A. M. as well as other Masonic organizations, The Buckeye Club, and supporter of the Trumbull 100. He also volunteered for Mobile Meals and was working on bringing the Canal Society of Ohio to Warren. Mr. Bland enjoyed his family and especially spending time with his grandchildren and extended family. He was an avid traveler with his wife Jan and was especially fond of history. Mr. Bland is survived by his wife of 53 years, Janice (McGarr) Bland whom he married in 1954. Also, two daughters, Joyce (Rick) Brothers of Warren, and Karen (Terry) Peterson of Bay Village, Ohio and 2 grandchildren, Julie and Kevin Brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Irvin and a sister Janet Neidhart. Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 11, 2007 at The First United Methodist Church of Warren, 309 N. Park Ave. Warren, Ohio 44481 with Reverend Yesudas Devadan officiating. Interment will follow at Crown Hill Burial Park, Vienna, OH 44473. Friends will be received at McFarland & Son Funeral Home, 271 N. Park Avenue, Warren, OH 44481 from 5-8 p.m. Friday, August 10, 2007 and 9-10 a.m. Saturday in the Van Wye Room of The First United Methodist Church. Family requests material contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 309 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481; Trumbull 100, PO Box 1908, Warren, Ohio 44482-1908 or the Warren Rotary, c/o Rick Peduzzi III, 1330 Youngstown Warren Rd., Niles, Ohio 44446. Arrangements have been entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services, 271 N. Park Ave. Warren, Ohio 44483. Please go to www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this notice and to send condolences to the family.

Raymond L. Bland

May 11, 1927 - August 8, 2007