Kenneth "Ken" C. Bland

Early on August 20, 2024, Kenneth C. Bland (67), our beloved husband, daddy, and brother was translated from this life and received into glory by his Heavenly Father.

He was preceded in death by, his father, John D. Bland Sr.; mother, Helen Pearl Bland; brothers, John D. Bland Jr., Robert E. Bland, and H. Samuel Bland.

He is survived by his, wife of 39 years, Elaine Bland,; children, Jessica Cochran(Brett) of Andalusia, AL, Jennifer Guidera(Alex) of Malone, FL; grandchildren, Liam and Mason Cochran (Pa’s Boys), Donovan, Nathan, and Connor Cochran of Andalusia, AL and great-grandson Andy Cochran of Andalusia, AL; siblings, Jeanette Barnhill, Guinette King, Larry Bland, Steven Bland, Karen Price (Stephen), Michelle Anderson; brother-in-law Ben Isaacks(Evelyn) and Sister-in-law Patricia Isaacks(Larry Edge), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Ken spent 2 years in the MCJROTC while attending A. Crawford Mosley High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army right out of high school where he served in the A Company, 4th Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment. He served as Tank Driver and Tank Commander, and received the Expert Qualification on the 45 caliber pistol and rifle. Ken was honorably discharged as E4. He later joined the Army National Guard where he completed Non commissioned Officers Training School and was promoted to Sargent E5. It was during his time he met his wife. In 1992, they moved to Port St. Joe to raise their two girls and worship at Highland View Church of God/Lighthouse Pentecostal Ministries where he served as a deacon. Ken served as a Volunteer Firefighter and worked at the City of Port St. Joe but found his home at Gulf County BOCC where he worked his way up to Equipment Operator and named himself “Mudd Dog”. Ken was deeply touched by his friends and co-workers when he retired in January 2022 from the Public Works Division. Retirement was a short but joyous time in his life. Anyone who knew Ken, knew he loved his God, wife, children, and country.

Our lives are forever changed, we will miss him sorely, and we love him forever!

Services will be held at Hope Family Worship Center in Port St. Joe, Florida on Sunday, August 25, 2024. Visitation will begin at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time with the funeral starting at 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time with Pastor Tim Bailey officiating and military honors.

Ken will be laid to rest privately at Holly Hill Cemetery in Port St. Joe, Florida.

All arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.