John Ellis Rathburn
John “Jack” Ellis Rathburn of Vermontville, MI known for his community involvement and helpful spirit, died Sunday, March 3rd at the age of 95. Jack was born at home in 1928, the eleventh child born to Irene and Ernest “Clyde” Rathburn in Charlotte Michigan. The family moved to Vermontville in 1942, and Jack soon became a fixture in the community.
He was active in many organizations including the American Legion post 222, Fire Department, Library Board, Cemetery Board, and the First Congregational Church. He operated the Standard Oil Station in Vermontville for over 30 years before retiring in 1982. And for the next 32 years as the Sexton for the Woodlawn Cemetery.
Jack loved hunting, fishing and playing poker with his Legion buddy’s. He was known for his tall tales and funny stories and as a jokester. Even at the age of 95, his memory was amazing. He could tell you stories of who married who, who lived where and even tell you their phone number off the top of his head.
Throughout his life he volunteered and donated his time to help others. You could find Jack helping others by clearing snowy driveways, mowing a neighbor’s lawn, blowing leaves and at any community work project that came along. He was especially proud that he was able to donate over 36 gallons of blood and platelets with the Red Cross helping save lives.
Jack enlisted in the Army in 1948 and served in Heidelberg Germany at the Headquarter Signal Battalion where he handled coded communications with NATO forces. He was discharged in 1951 as a corporal. Jack was proud of his service and his involvement with the American Legion where he had made so many lifelong friends.
Jack is survived by his wife of 71 years Joyce (Thrun), his children Steven (Peggy) Rathburn, Patty (Alan) Hamlin, Trudy (Jim) Jager and Philip (Sue) Rathburn. Jack loved his family and enjoyed spending time playing with his grandkids; Gregg (Kathy) Rathburn, Holly (Mike) Brandt, Meredith (Drew) Nicholoff, Kelsey (Kyle) Stolicker, Sueann Bowen, Chancy (Amber) Rathburn, Kara (Jon) Bowers and his great grandchildren; Chase, Cruize, Cayll, and Knox Rathburn, Logan and Layla Bowers, Audrey Nicholoff, Kamden and Kaylee Stolicker, Kennedy and Lucus Rathburn, and Evonne Kwaiser.
Jack is also survived by his brothers Larry and Don, and his sister Betty Betts. He was preceded in death by his parents, twelve siblings and his great-grandson Elijah Rathburn.
Jack asked for no formal funeral service, However the Family will hold a celebration of life for Jack on April 13 at the Vermontville Fire Department at 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Keeping with Jack’s passion for replacing the trees in the Woodland Cemetery, memorial contributions in Jack’s memory can be sent to “John Rathburn Memorial Fund” at PO Box 193, Vermontville, MI 49096.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI. For further details, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.