Family-Placed Obituary
BLAND, Joshua S. 19, of Dayton, died Tuesday, 5/22/07 at Miami Valley Hospital. Joshua was born in Dayton, Ohio on 10/12/1987. He was preceded in death by Paternal Grandfathers Paul Bland, and Willard Deal, Maternal Great Grandmother Betty Whisman, Maternal Great Grandfather Clyde Hollon, Paternal Great Grandmother Francis Fowler. He is survived by his Mother Lisa (Hollon) Norris and husband Kelly, Arcanum, Father Stephen Bland and wife Georgia, Miamisburg; Brother Ethan Bland; Sister Kaileigh Norris; Maternal Grandparents Rev. Courtney C., and LaDonna Hollon, Middletown; Paternal Grandmother Mildred Bland, Germantown; Grandparents Lonnie and Connie Norris, Arcanum, Karen Norris, Carlisle; Maternal Great Grandfather Austin Whisman, Middletown; Maternal Great Grandmother Dolly May, Middletown; Paternal Great Grandmother Judith Beal, Hagerstown, IN; Numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Funeral Services 10:00 AM Saturday, May 26 at the Faith United Methodist Church, Arcanum, with Rev. Jimmy Mann officiating. Burial in Abbottsville Cemetery. Visitation Friday 5 - 8 PM at the Kreitzer Funeral Home, Arcanum. The family suggest donations to Project Hope Inc., c/o Second Chance, 1510 N. Main St., Dayton, Ohio 45405.
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may God lift this family and friends up in this time of need . remember to keep God first in everything you do. I pray the lord lift your spirits up and comfort you God bless.
~Joshua L Bland
September 29, 2009
I still cant believe your gone out my life forever. U will always be in my heart and i love u. I wish u was here i will love u for life and i still hope i wake up one day and this is all a bad dream i love you
Jessika Jefferson
April 8, 2008
May God Be with you!
Joshua "Josh" Bland
April 2, 2008
Our prayers are with all of you during this sad time. May you find strength in your memories and faith.
Tom Nelson
March 29, 2008
Tom Nelson
March 29, 2008
Hi youv'e been great!!!
bob bramwell
March 12, 2008
Courtney, Donna, Lisa.
I just recently heard and I am terribly sorry for your loss. I know it has been forever and Josh was just young the last time I saw him, he was an angel. I am so sorry.
Kathelyn Immel
January 18, 2008
This may sound wierd , but I know it wasn't on accident. My name is also Joshua Bland, I was typing my name into the search engine, i know im weird , and stumbled onto this. I dont think it was by accident because God put a verse on my heart for the parents: For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Despite the hardships, know all is well with God and he has great plans even through unbearable hardships. This verse gets me through my hardtimes and hopefully it will help you all some. God Bless Yall!
Josh B.
November 23, 2007
Joshua,
I still cant believe your gone.. You changed my life in so many ways and you changed me for the better.. You made me realize things that i still dont think i would have if it werent for you.. You made such an impact on my life.. I wish we didnt end like we did but i know when im at the same place you are we will start where we left off.. I miss you so much and you and your family are in my prayers..
I love you ,
Jennifer
Jennifer Piercy
September 3, 2007
Dear Josh-
I never had the opportunity to meet you, but I felt like I knew you in so many ways. Your mamaw and I met at work in November 2006 at which time she shared with me her unconditional love for you and how badly she wanted you to take the lead of the Lord in Life's Journey. You see, she and I bonded that day because I have a wonderful brother I love dearly who is 36 years old with a similar life story as yours, and my hope for him has been the same as your mamaw's for you. So the two of us, your mamaw and I, agreed to pray for both of you. I remembered you in my prayers daily along with the prayers for my brother and others whom I love. Your mamaw would fill me in from time to time about the positive steps you were taking in your journey. I know everything came to a screeching halt with your journey on this earth that sad day on May 22, 2007, but I am so thankful that prayers for you were answered. God saw you had finally put Him in the lead, and then He decided to direct you Home. I realize this may have been earlier than anyone would have chosen, and now so many people miss you terribly. But you made it Home, Josh, and for this I am so grateful to the Lord and confident for my brother who I continue to pray for. I look forward to finally meeting you some day in our Father's Home!
Laurie El-Naggar
July 24, 2007
Lisa, Kelly and Kaileigh,
The first time we met Josh was at church when he was about 3 or 4 years old. He had a smile on his face as he walked down to sit with his mamaw and Papaw Hollon, who as you know are our best friends. Even though we didn't know Josh really well we heard many, many great things about him from his grandparents. I don't think there was even a time we saw him that he didn't have a smile on his face. The last time we were with him was at Applebee's with Courtney and Donna. He was smiling and teasing Donna as we left. I'm sure that if there is someone in charge of smiles in Heaven it is Josh. Nothing will ever take away the pain of your loss, but as Christians we have the promise that we will see our loved ones again. I am sure Josh will be waiting at the gate for you with a smile and a hug.
Bill and Gail Banks
July 10, 2007
I have fond memories of Josh. I met Josh when he was 10 years old. He was always such a carefree and gregarious young boy.
In recent years, I have seen Josh at the mall. As he strolled along, he still possessed the same youthful spirit.
I will always remember Josh as the carefree, young boy I first met.
Lisa, Josh was a lot like you, a unique individual.
Susan Bailey
July 6, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kim & Kris Ross
June 30, 2007
Josh,
I am so thankful that God brought us into each others lives to become brother and sister and gave us 16 years to grow that special sibling bond. We had so many fun times and shared many secrets. I wish God would have given us more years to share more times together and create more memories, but I know I'll be seeing you again soon and we will pick up right where we left off.
I miss you and I love you.
Kaileigh
Kaileigh Norris
June 29, 2007
Josh,
i wanted to say thanks for being my friend when we spent time away together and helping me through my struggles when we were free. i just wanted to say ill always have good memories from all our goofy times. i love you dearly.
love,
hannah
hannah cohen
June 28, 2007
Kelly and Lisa, we are so sorry and have had you in our thoughts and prayers. Lisa, at Josh's visitation, as I watched the video of him growing up, it brought back such good memories of you when we were neighbors of your Mom and Dad. When I saw his picture, I thought, there is Lisa as a small child. He was the image of you when you were younger and we know you will also have wonderful memories of Josh. We ask God to bless and comfort you and your family. Lamentations 3:22-23 says the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Love, Sam and Susan Skeens
Sam and Susan Skeens
June 25, 2007
In the memories I have of Josh, I see the smiling little boy that always took the time to talk to everyone. I can still see his little face beaming as he carried in my surprise birthday cake at a party that Donna and Courtney gave. In the short time that Josh had here on earth, he was greatly blessed to have such a loving family. It is difficult to understand why this senseless tragedy happened, but what a comfort to know that Josh is with the Lord now. Please know that we are praying for you.
Sally and Kenny Meeker
June 25, 2007
Dear Josh,
When I made a commitment to you and your Mother in 1992, I could have only dreamed to have been so blessed. I thought that the best thing I could do for you, was to love your Mother. That was only until your sweet boyish charm and your up-to-something smile more than captured my heart. I felt as though I was more than a stepfather to you, I was your stepfather by chance, but your friend by choice.
It has been so difficult without you here Josh, each day harder than the last, your beautiful smile, and memories of us on the course, field or court shall be enough, for at least we had that together. So sad to have lost my only son, so grateful to have had memories wih my Son.
There is so much I need to say to you Joshua, watch over us!
Your Stepfather, Kelly
Kelly Norris
June 21, 2007
It is inconceivable to me that something so senseless and tragic can happen in the blink of an eye. I can't begin to know the right words of comfort. I know your hearts are broken and Karl and I are praying for you. The comments in this guest book paint a beautiful picture of Joshua.
DeEtta Blackwell
June 21, 2007
Dear Josh:
Thank you for all the wonderful times we've shared from even your earliest years to the present. All your sporting events we attended made me so proud of your abilities and talents.
I remember this past New Year's Day was the only time I ever beat you playing golf.
I miss you, Josh, and all those good times so very much. You'll always be my "Number One" Grandson.
Love,
Papaw Courtney
Courtney C. Hollon
June 20, 2007
I cannot begin to express my feelings of sympathy for this tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers will go up for the whole family as they go through this horrible time. May the peace of God come over you knowing that you will see Josh again in heaven. The pain will lessen as time goes by, even though it seems like a knife in your hearts right now. Stay close to God and He will stay close to you. It is His promise to His children. He will never leave you or forsake you, even in your darkest hours. Love to you all! Cindy
Cindy O'Donnell
June 20, 2007
To My Son Josh,
Since God took you home, not a moment has passed that I don't think of you. Your memory is in every breath I take. Your unforgettable smile is engraved in my mind. So many have said that you lived every day to the fullest. I believe that is true. You were a truly unique individual. You had more strength than anyone I have ever known. You always were able to handle whatever came your way...no matter the difficulty. You still kept a smile on your face and moved on. I admired that about you. You and I were so similar, but yet so different. I think that made our bond unbreakable.
I watched you take your first breath, and I watched you take your last. Those two events will always be the highest and lowest points of my life.
You were cheated out of so many good things in life...love, marriage and children. I would have given my own life to give those opportunities back to you.
I thought I would have more time with you, but God had other plans. I never got to say goodbye properly or tell you how deeply I love you. It is truly unconditional love that only a parent can have for a child. I know we will meet again in a better place.
I am as confidant in that as I am in the fact that he has his arms around you now. That does bring me some peace.
I'll say "goodbye" for now, baby. We'll see each other again soon. All my love. Mom.
Lisa Norris
June 19, 2007
Steve and Family,
On behalf of the Alldred family may you know you are in our prayers. I am sorry Steve, I just heard today of your loss and you have been on my mind ever since. With time all wounds are healed and only the good memories will be left with you.
Steve Alldred
June 18, 2007
dear bland family,
I so sorry for your loss. I know we all will miss him. I know i will. I can't believe he is gone. i give my deepest sympathy to Josh's whole family. I am glad to have known him.
tyra adkins
June 15, 2007
Josh you will be missed I just wish you had a chance to show everyone the man you would grow to become. My deepest sympathies to the Bland family from all of us in CAS who had a chance to meet him we are all better for it.
Maxwell Henderson
June 13, 2007
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lisa, Jason, and Jadyn Brandt
Lisa Brandt
May 31, 2007
I am grieved to dear about Josh's passing. Take comfort that you will someday meet again in heaven. Bless you and may God keep you in His loving care.
Janet Bailey
May 28, 2007
We will always remember the freckled, ever smiling little face. He is unforgettable.
Judy Beal
May 26, 2007
Dear Joshua Bland Family,
When I heard about Joshua I was floored with disbelief. You see I only met Josh once, but the time I met Josh will probably be under the best conditions a person can meet. I was at Word Of Faith (Downtown) just a couple weeks ago when Josh came in with Rich off of the bus. The more we shared with Josh about the Lord, the hungrier he got for the things of God! He didn't want to leave and wanted to help. A sister got off the elevator with her hands full and Josh just kept helping, to be honest his willingness to help would put most to shame, but it was a blessing to see his fire and zeal! Rich asked him if he wanted to be born-again and he said yes! So Elder Sheppard, Rich and I prayed with him and he was saved right there in a basement church, in the middle of downtown Dayton, just a hundred feet from City Hall and one thing I can say without a doubt, is that today Joshua Bland's name is in the Book of Life and he is in Heaven with Jesus and you can be comforted by this! So precious Bland family my prayers are with you (for peace, forgiveness, and comfort) and I send to you my condolences during your time of mourning, and we at Word of Faith Christian Ministries mourn with you, and thank-you for sharing Joshua with us, but you can rejoice at this, knowing that Josh is, without a doubt in a better place. The bible says there will be no more crying or sorrow there and I look forward to the day when I can see Brother Joshua in Heaven! May God bless , keep, and comfort you and I hope to meet you all soon! We Love You!
Phil Taylor
May 26, 2007
To Josh's Family
Words could never express how sorry I am for your loss. We were fortunate to spend a few fun times with Josh when he stayed with Trisha and Steve, going to the movies and watching football games. He was always fun and very considerate. I know he will be missed very much.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Heather & Tim Dixon
May 25, 2007
I will always miss you Josh. I am so sorry to here about what happen to you and I can't wait to see you again in heavon. I will alwayz love you !
Jessika jefferson
May 25, 2007
I'm a member at Word of Faith. never had a chance to meet Joshua, but what I heard of him was awsome, he had a genuwine love for Christ, and I know he will be with our heavenly father forever.
Justin Neely
May 25, 2007
It seems like just yesterday when I first met Josh at Beechwood. He was just a little guy of about 7 with LOTS of energy. With time this wound will heal. My prayers are with you.
Kirt Chronister
May 25, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. May God comfort you and give you peace. We are praying for you.
Kenny & Diane
Diane Akers
May 25, 2007
Kelly and Lisa,
I am so sorry for your loss. Josh was always a fun kid to be around, and he was always so full of energy. I remember one time when he was with us at Burger King, he walk through the drive thru and ordered a meal. Ryan and I laughed until we cried. That is the Josh that I will always remember. Remember all of the good times that you shared together. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Brittany
Brittany Knick
May 25, 2007
I heard this the other day,"Grief is the price we pay for Love." Rest assured, Jesus Christ is ready to help. "...A Man of sorrows and aquainted with grief..." Isaiah 53:3 He is not just a fair-weather friend. "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;..." Isaiah 53:4a. Phillipians 4:8-9
Bob Barnett
May 25, 2007
I heard this the other day,"Grief is the price we pay for Love." Rest assured, Jesus Christ is ready to help. "...A Man of sorrows and aquainted with grief..." Isaiah 53:3 He is not just a fair-weather friend. "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;..." Isaiah 53:4a. Phillipians 4:8-9 Bob Barnett
Bob Barnett
May 25, 2007
We love Josh with all our hearts and will forever cherish many, many wonderful memories. He is, and will always remain, our very very special Grandson. Our lives will never be complete with him.
Donna Hollon
May 25, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, we have lots of great memories of Josh that we will always cherish.
God Bless all of you! Dan & Jody Burns & Family
jody burns
May 24, 2007
The Staff and Membership of the Carlisle Area Historical Society extend their deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the BLAND
family.
Charles "Bud" Sears
May 24, 2007
Steve,
Georgia, Ethan and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss and we will keep you in our
thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if we can be of any help at
all, in any way, at any time.
Kathy, Mike, Andy and family
The Pohl Family
May 24, 2007
Kelly and Lisa,
When my mom told me about Josh, my heart sank. I checked in everyday hoping for the best...I'm sorry that this has happened to your family and ours. When we lost Robbie it didn't seem to affect me as much as seeing someone in MY generation leave us...or seeing Jason and Jory go over seas...Please know that my heart breaks for you and I think of you all everyday...may your hearts rest easy and know that there are better things to come for Josh. I love you all...
Love,
Sarah(Fisher)Smith and Family
Sarah Smith
May 24, 2007
Josh was always fun to be with. I remember when I was little he would always come over, and teach me to play basketball, and football. Our pryers are with you Uncle Kelly, Aunt Lisa, and Kaileigh.
Grady Garno
May 24, 2007
William (Bill) Stein
May 24, 2007
Lisa and Ashleey Kerns, Francis Whaling
Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all of Josh's family and friends it was a tragic loss and he will be greatly missed.
Francis Whaling
May 24, 2007
u will always be remember and missed man... and cant wait to see u again someday...
Mike Wright
May 24, 2007
Steve and family-
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jerry & Kara Hardman
May 24, 2007
Chad Snouffer
May 24, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Lisa.
Dennis & Nanette Cline
May 24, 2007
At a time like this I am lost for words, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob Truax
May 24, 2007
There are no words to express how I feel, or ease the pain you feel. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim Rutter
May 24, 2007
you are in my prayers
rhonda ramsey (Bankston)
May 24, 2007
I met Josh at the bustop by Dayton Mall. He had his gold fronts (teeth) in and was joking around. We started talking about church. He told me he knew a little bit about God and we talked about the current events in his life. He got off the bus with me at 1rst and Ludlow and we continued conversing he walked with me to Word of Faith Christian Ministries (Pastor Lyons)on 2nd and Ludlow. I asked Josh did he want to commit his life to Christ and he said yes. We went into the church and he got saved that Friday night May 4th and he signed a mural we have on the wall. Pastor Lyons stamped the word SAVED! over Josh's name. He helped around the church setting up for Women's Ministry we had that night. I asked him how he felt and he said "Real Good!" He left a little late and said his mentor was going to be a little upset with him and he laughed. He said he didnt want to catch the bus that night, but he wanted to walk because he felt good. We all gave him our numbers and he left. When I heard the news I cried and then I smiled because I truly know that he's in a better place. I looked at the mural last night at Bible Study and his name encouraged me to move forward and continue to try to reach a generation that so many people seem to have forgotten. That was my only contact with Josh but one thing I know for sure, Josh accepted Jesus into his life and meant it before this incident. I want to encourage all who read this to live by the example Josh set for us on May 4th 6:30 p.m.
Riddick
May 24, 2007
Josh Hollon
May 24, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Carl Venzke
May 24, 2007
You are in my thoughts. So sorry about your loss.
Carrie Welbaum
May 23, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
brian and kristy bannon
May 23, 2007
Lisa,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nikki Clemons
May 23, 2007
Dear Bland Family, I was so sad to hear of for loss. Please know we are thinking of you in your time of sorrow. Lisa Spitler,(from Dr.Porters office)
lisa spitler
May 23, 2007
josh was always fun to be around, i remember when i was little he would always come over and teach me how to play football, and basketball!my prayers are with you uncle kelly, aunt lisa and kaileigh.
Grady Garno
May 23, 2007
ive known josh for awhile, he was one of my boys but i mainly knew him thru my boy josh hollen. he was a good guy and after i heard what had happened i was in shock.. i wish the bland family and everyone else who knew him very well or cared about him deeply luck with there loss
Greg
May 23, 2007
DEAR STEVE, OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. JUST KNOW THAT JOSH WILL BE MISSED. WE ARE THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALL THE TIME. I REMEMBER WHEN HE WAS BORNED. YOU WERE SO PROUD. AND YOU ARE A GREAT FATHER. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF WE CAN DO ANYTHING. OUR LOVE AND SUPPORT, MIKE AND DINGY (DEBBIE)
MIKE AND DEBBIE BARKALOW
May 23, 2007
Josh was a very good friend with my grandson Josh Hollon. He spent many nights and days with us. I am in prayer for the family and my church will be remembering you.
Barbara Smith
May 23, 2007
dear kelly,lisa. josh will be missed very dearly.we all know that he's going to a good place.
Bro.Skip
May 23, 2007
Steve & family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are sorry for your loss.
Jerry & Kara Hardman
May 23, 2007
Steve you and your family are in our prayers
The Fogler's
May 23, 2007
You are in our prayers. I am praying the peace will pass all understanding.
Chad Francis
May 23, 2007
Josh was a terrific person to be around. He had so much energy and potential. He made it his goal to have fun with life and make sure everyone around him was having fun. I am glad that i got to know Josh. My heart and prayers go out to his family. May God be with you through this rough time and bring you peace.
Ashley Couch
May 23, 2007
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Jennifer Lewis
May 23, 2007
to the Bland family
you are in my prayers.
rhonda ramsey
May 23, 2007
josh was a very funny and outgoing person.He never let anyone put him down in anyway hes going to be missed and my prayers goes out to his family
Denae Mays
May 23, 2007
The pain and sorrow you are feeling are indescribable. The anquish seems to be relentless. The questions many. Our prayers are for God to give you all that you need during this difficult time and that his healing touch and love bring you comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
With sincere sympathy,
Jon and Karen(Brunk)Weist
Charlene's friends at State Road United Methodist Church
Karen Weist
May 23, 2007
Dear Kelly & Lisa,
We are so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Bless you all.
Angie (Fisher) Horn
May 23, 2007
Josh will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Kyle Francis
May 23, 2007
Lisa -
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Minda Howard
May 23, 2007
My heart goes out to the family. i dont know you but i hurt for you too
Tawanda Calhoun
May 23, 2007
stephen hollon
May 23, 2007
wow your truly going to be missed by so many! josh was a fun person to be around and he was a fighter. He stayed strong for this long; and we know he will still be staying strong in heaven! i will be praying for his family.
cristy critchell
May 23, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Carl and Nina Hacker and family
nina hacker
May 23, 2007
Josh played basketball with my son and although I do not know you my prayers go out for you. As a mother I can only imagine the void and pain you now endure. My God hold you close at this time
Marsha Carmack-Miller
May 23, 2007
To Josh's Family -- our heart goes out to all of you as you go through this journey. May God give you peace and understanding at this difficult time. We extend our sympathy and love to all of you.
Teresa Francis
May 23, 2007
Lisa/Kelly & family - We so sorry to hear of the loss of Josh. Take comfort in the many happy memories that you hold dear in your heart. Our prayers are with your family.
Tammy (Papp) Chase
May 23, 2007
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