Francis Edward Bland

Francis Edward

Bland, 90, of Reader,

WV passed peacefully

on Monday, August

10, 2026 while in

Dublin, OH.

Francis was born

February 14, 1936, in

Maud, WV son of the

late Grover C. and

Georgia F. (Pyles)

Bland.

He was a retired pot

repairman for the

former Ormet Corp

and a U.S. Army

veteran. Francis also

enjoyed working as a

professional auctioneer. He volunteered for many years

at the Reader Fire

Department and was a

long-time member of

the Pine Grove Sportsman Club. He attened the Pine Grove

Church of Christ and

enjoyed hunting and

traveling in his spare

time.

In addition to his

parents, he was preceded in death by his

wife, Karen Bland; infant daughter, April

Bland; companion of

30 years, Barbara

King; and seven siblings.

What brought

Francis the most joy

throughout his life was

his family. He leaves

behind two daughters,

Kelly (John) Jackson

of Sistersville, WV

and Erica (Tad)

Rhodes of Ostrander,

OH; three sons,

Matthew Bland of Nelsonville, OH, Terry

(Jill) Bland of Hyrum,

UT and David

(JoLynn) Bland of

Wellsville, UT; nineteen grandchildren;

nine great grandchildren and many

beloved nieces and

nephews.

Friends will be received 4:30 – 6 p.m.,

Friday, August 14,

2026 at the Williams

Funeral Home, 12750

Shortline Hwy, Pine

Grove, WV. Burial to

take place in Greenlawn Memorial Park in

New Martinsville at

the convenience of the

family.

In lieu of flowers,

memorial contributions may be made, in

Francis’ name, to the

Zachary Taylor Trust,

218 N Fourth Ave.,

Paden City, WV

26159.

Expression of sympathy may be made

www.williamsfuneralhomewv.com.