Dr. Jack Dean Bland

He was born February 4, 1935, in Westphalia, IN, to Arthur Franklin and Opal (Nierste) Bland who preceded him in death. Jack was confirmed in 1948 at the Salem United Church of Christ in Westphalia, IN. He graduated in 1953 from Sandborn High School in Sandborn, IN, where he was an outstanding athlete on the varsity basketball team for four years, starting all 90 varsity basketball games played in the those 4 years, and was the second all-time leading career scorer in high school basketball history in the state of Indiana when he graduated in 1953.

He graduated from Vincennes University where he was captain of the basketball team, continuing to earn recognition for his athleticism and talent on the basketball court. He transferred to the University of Tennessee where he was a pitcher for the UT Volunteers baseball team. He graduated from Indiana University Medical School in 1961 and completed his internship at Polk County Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. He started his 38 year medical career in Holland, IN, when the town completed construction of their new medical building. He enlisted in the US Navy as a Lieutenant Commander and was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois from 1966-1968. After discharge from the Navy, he moved his family to Henderson, KY, where he had a successful family medical practice for 22 years, before becoming an emergency room physician at Henderson Methodist Hospital and St. Mary’s Warrick Hospital in Boonville, IN; retiring in 2000.

A beloved husband, dad, grandpa, and brother, Jack’s presence and devotion to his family will be greatly missed. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Joan (Berger) his loving wife of 59 years; three daughters, Cindy (Jeff) Foye of Newburgh, IN, Cheryl (Mark) Baize of Wyoming, OH and Crista (Chris) Bugg of Madisonville, KY; seven grandchildren, Eric and Anna Baize, Courtney and Caitlyn Foye, Dean, Will and Jackson Summers; one brother, Jerry Bland of Englewood, Ohio; uncles, Perry Bland, Jr. and Mike Bland of Florida; cousins; and many nieces and nephews.

Those who knew Jack, know that he was the true definition of a family doctor. He was devoted to his patients and always found time to make an old fashioned house call when the need arose. He was a gentle, caring and humble man. He filled a room with love, kindness, generosity, and always his great smile and wit. He loved his family and friends, and spending time with his grandchildren. Whenever his health allowed, he was present at their school and sporting events, always proud of what they were doing. His love of “a song for every occasion,” his endless hours of storytelling and his original birthday song will continue to live on in their lives. He enjoyed fishing, was an avid sports enthusiast, supporting and cheering for IU basketball, the St. Louis Cardinals, Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts. Jack was a member of the American Medical Association, the Indiana State Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, Indiana University Alumni Foundation, the Scottish Rite, Masons, American Legion, and Newburgh Zion United Church of Christ. He was named a Kentucky Colonel in 1987 and became a 50 year member of the Dubois County Masons in 2014.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:30 PM, Sunday, September 6, 2015, at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 261, Newburgh, IN, officiated by Rev. Dan Kennedy of Zion United Church of Christ. Friends may visit 1:00 PM until service time on Sunday at the funeral home. Visitation will also be held Monday, September 7, 2015, 11:00 AM – 12:00 EST at Bethel Church, 13673 East State Road 58, Freelandville, IN, followed by burial at Bethel Church Cemetery where Rev. Kennedy will conduct the graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Louisville Young Life, P.O. Box 5098, Louisville, KY 40255 or Zion United Church of Christ, 10 West 1st Street, Newburgh, IN 47630.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs at the Evansville Protestant Home and Southern Care Hospice for the compassionate and loving care given to “Dr. Jack.”