Stephen Marvin Bland

Stephen Bland, a devoted husband, loving father, and man of deep Christian faith, passed away surrounded by family. His life was defined by boundless generosity, an adventurous spirit, and an unwavering commitment to hard work and virtue.
Stephen was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on February 10, 1941 to Marvin Bland and Mildred Squires Bland. He graduated from Wiley High School in 1959 and later from Indiana State University in 1963. While attending college, he worked for the Public Service Company and served as the assistant manager of the Indiana Theater in Terre Haute. These early experiences shaped his strong work ethic and helped foster his lifelong love for people, community, and service.
After completing his education, Stephen returned to Public Service Indiana before following his entrepreneurial calling. He went on to become a visionary businessman, founding one of the largest mail order companies for ham radio equipment in the country. As his success grew, he expanded into Hoosier Electronics, opening multiple warehouses nationwide and building a company known for innovation, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to customer trust. His achievements left a lasting impact on the communications industry and inspired many who worked alongside him.
Outside of his professional life, Stephen embraced adventure and found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid pilot who loved the freedom of the sky, and he found peace on the water, owning and enjoying many boats through the years. His loyal dog Pepper was always by his side, providing him with years of companionship and unconditional love.
Stephen was the steady center of his family's world. He was a wonderful father, a devoted husband, and a man whose wisdom, kindness, and quiet strength touched every life he encountered. He lived his faith through action, giving generously and helping others without seeking recognition.
He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Susan Bland Proctor. He is survived by his first family: two daughters, Catherine Bland Cusack of Annapolis, Maryland, and Christina Bland Marsman of Coral Springs, Florida. He leaves behind his grandchildren Alex Dudash, Eve Dudash, Elizabeth Dudash, and Max Dudash, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his second family: his wife, Sheri Kohler Bland; his stepson Kasey Kohler and his wife, Francesca Kohler, and their children Theodore, Callahan, and Arabella of Pine Mountain, Georgia; his stepdaughter Ayla Kohler Smith, her husband, Jonathan Smith, and their son Benjamin of Deerfield Beach, Florida; and lastly, his stepson Kurt Kohler and his wife, Kaitlynn Kohler, of Buffalo, New York.
Stephen leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, faith, and service to others. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, the family who cherished him, and the many people whose lives he touched through his character and accomplishments.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the Chapel of Cox Funeral Home, 240 Walton Street, Hamilton, GA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the funeral home.
A reception will be held immediately following the service at the Bland's residence, 314 Birch Lane, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Please visit the tribute page above to share a memory or to leave online condolences for the family.