Emerson "Gus" M. Bland

December 7, 2017

Emerson "Gus" M. Bland, 87 passed away peacefully at his home on December 7, 2017. Gus was born in Enfield, NC to Emma D. and John F. Bland. Gus enlisted in the Marine Corps reserves while still in high school. His unit was called up to serve in the Korean War before he graduated. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1952. He was honorably discharged in 1956 and then began his civil service career at NNSY in Shop 38 as an outside machinist apprentice. Gus retired from the Planning Dept. in 1985 and from the Army Reserves in 1990. Gus was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Frances Green Bland and a son, Timothy M. Bland, Sr. Gus was a member of Moose Lodge 898 where he served as Governor from 1980-81. He bowled on the Moose league for years making many lifelong friends. He loved golf, pitching horse shoes, ping pong and just about all sports. He was very proud of his achievements in the Senior Olympics. Gus and Frances went out to dinner and played cards with their dear friends several time a week for many years. Gus and Frances shared great happiness together during their marriage and are now reunited in heaven. Gus is survived by sons, John E. Bland (Velma), Thomas P. Bland (Lynne), daughter, Denise B. Kuykendall (Bob), grandchildren, John M. Bland (Betsy), Erica D. Kuykendall, Julie K. Henderson (Spencer), Kristopher R. Kuykendall, Timothy M. Bland, Jr., Jennifer Buzuleciu (Kevin), Kaitlyn R. Bland, Jacob E. Bland, great grandchildren, Penelope R. Bland, Alice M. Bland, Gavin R. Kuykendall, Cade J. Somers, Noah M. Somers, Aylah L. Eberhart, Spencer D. Henderson, Cayleigh Bland and Dylan Bland. The family suggests memorial contributions to Teen Challenge in Newport News. A funeral service with full military honors will be held at 10am Monday in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with Dr. John Snow officiating. The family will receive friends in Loving Funeral Home Sunday from 6-7pm.