June 19, 2013

John Willbond

John Willbond, 72, died Sunday, July 1, 2012 at his Brighton Township home surrounded by family.

A 1958 graduate of Oberlin High School, John was a house painter by trade. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, as well as the Wellington Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Sons of the American Legion. He was a great supporter of the armed forces, and was a Boy Scout troop leader.

John enjoyed camping at Clar-Mar Lakes for many years, fishing, and old movies. He was a member of Brighton United Methodist Church. His parents, George and Lily Willbond, in 1923, emigrated to the United States from Nottingham, England, landing at Ellis Island. George Willbond worked for Oberlin College and was a soccer coach at the college. John also enjoyed painting pictures during his retirement, baking breads, and family gatherings.

He is survived by sons, John Parris Willbond of Germany, Matt (Kathleen) Willbond of Oberlin, Luke (Beth) Willbond of Fayetteville, North Carolina and Kenneth Willbond of Wellington; daughters, Debora (George) Gardner of Wellington and Laura (Paul) Rudolph of Wellington; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Judy; parents, George and Lily Willbond; brothers, George E., Jr., Ronald, Arthur, Norman, Robert and Kenneth Willbond; and a sister, Lilian Clark.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a graveside service held Thursday, July 5, 2012, beginning at 11 A.M. at Brighton Cemetery, St. Rt. 511, with Rev. Tina Siroki officiating.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com