Everett “Dwain’ Bland

Everett “Dwain” Bland went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the age of 83 in his hometown of Winona, Missouri, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest in remembrance of the wonderful man that he was.

Dwain was born in the Rocky Falls community in Shannon County, Missouri on July 2, 1940, to Everett and Flora (Counts) Bland. Dwain graduated from Winona High School in May 1958. He was first united in marriage to Glenda Sue Cowen, and to this union, five children were born: Ronnie, Sherry, Randy, Rusty, and Ryan. Then, on September 4, 1976, Dwain married his wife Nita, and together they raised their family in Shannon County.

Dwain primarily worked in the lumber industry throughout most of his life. During his earlier years, he started a sawmill business with his brother Troy in the Birch Tree, Missouri area. Later, when he retired from the mill, he worked with Randy at the feed store in Winona. Dwain also loved farming, from raising cattle to building fences to putting up hay, he enjoyed it all.

But most importantly, Dwain’s greatest love was for his family. He was a proud father who devoted his entire life to raising his children with the same values of kindness and humility that he exemplified. Dwain loved watching his children and grandchildren do whatever it was that they loved to do. He often said that if he could have it his way, he would build a house big enough so that all of them could live under the same roof! There wasn’t anything that he wouldn ’t do for them, and he demonstrated that time and again by being their staunchest supporter, their greatest champion, and their biggest fan. A benevolent man with an unwavering smile, Dwain was generous with everyone and he never refused to help anyone in need. He was a rock of stability to his family and a pillar of strength to his friends and neighbors.

Sadly, Dwain was predeceased by his parents, Everett and Flora; his son, Ryan; his sister, Melrose; his sisters-in-law,Arleen Bland and Ok-Sun Bland; and his father and mother-in-law, J.W. and Edith Evans .

His memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family, his beloved wife, Nita; his children, Ronnie, Sherry, Randy (Lisa), and Rusty (Tina); his daughter-in-law, Shawna; his grandchildren, Josh (Emily) Bland, Elisha (Scott) Snodgrass, Garrett Bland, Jarod Kelly, Nikki (Shane) Baker, Jacob Kelly, Justin (Stephanie) Bland, Jessica (Justin) Tune, Matthew Bland, Tyler Bland, Dakota (Chelsea) Bland, Jordan (Hunter) Berry, Stormy Roles, Kole Roles, Brentlee Stemper, Shelby Bland, Haley (Coleman) Thomas, and Mackenzie (Orrin) Phillips; 28 great-grandchildren; 1 greatgreat-grandchild; his brothers, Troy, Jerry (Gail), Gabby (Kim), and Donnie (Maggie); his brothers-in-law, Jackie (Diane) Evans and Bruce (Sharlene) Evans; and a host of nieces and nephews, all of whom loved, adored, and respected him.

Dwain will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved the Lord and looked forward to the day that he would be reunited with his loved ones. His lifelong dedication and commitment to his family and community will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him, and he will live on through the countless lives he touched and the precious memories he made along the way. He will be greatly missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

To honor Dwain’s memory, funeral services were held at the Church of God of Prophecy in Birch Tree, Missouri, on Tuesday,June 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Winona. Following the service, Dwain was laid to rest at Bethany Chapel Cemetery in Eminence, Missouri. Visitation was held Monday evening from 6:00- 8:00 also at the Church of God of Prophecy in Birch Tree. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com