Phillip R McClelland

11/29/1947 - 12/19/2024

Age 77

So God Saved a Farmer, by Jennifer McClelland

God was so proud of this tenacious and stubborn man

Who cared for the babies, the animals, and the land

Hands that were calloused, with scars everywhere

God knew it was time for Him to take over Phil’s care

So God saved a farmer

He saw his weak, injured and failing brain

And realized His son could bare no more pain

When family gathered ‘round and said please let go

God knew it was finally time to bring His son home

So God saved a farmer

Though our hearts are hurting and left in pieces

He knew it is time for Phil to meet Jesus

Since the farmer’s body could take no more

God was there when heaven opened up the door

So God saved a farmer

It’s comforting to know that Phil is now with his Heavenly Father after many years of being a warrior. He fought for his country, and most recently, he fought Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinson’s. Both gave him tremendous amount of pain and anguish. We should all rejoice in his next chapter to live an eternal life in God’s Kingdom with our Savior Jesus Christ.

Phillip R. McClelland was born in Lansing, MI in 1947. He attended Woodland schools and graduated from Lakewood Public Schools, 1965. He attended barber school in Flint Michigan, and began cutting hair for Vick Benner in Lake Odessa until he was drafted in Sept 1967. Phil completed US Army Basic Training, AIT, Jump School, NCO School and the U.S. Army Ranger School. Deployed to Republic of Vietnam 1968 and was assigned to 74th LRRPS (N Co. 75th Rangers)173rd Airborne Brigade, and later reassigned to B/1/503rd Infantry 173rd Airborne Brigade. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, 3 Purple Hearts, and 2 Bronze Stars. His last combat injury was August 1969, and he was retired from the Army at Great Lakes Naval Hospital.

Phil married Jane Hybarger in 1970 and together they cut hair in Lake Odessa until the late 80’s. Phil got his real estate license in 1978, and bought Lakewood Real Estate in 1981. He served a year as the president of the Ionia County Board of Realtors. Philserved on the Lake Odessa ambulance in the mid 1970’s, was a substitute mailman in the 1980’s, and retired from real estate in 2015. Phil was a life long farmer.

He was proceeded in death by his mom Dorothy and dad Darwin Sr, and brother Darwin A. McClelland Jr.

He leaves behind his wife Jennifer McClelland, his children Heather McClelland (John Bethell), Duffy (Melissa) McClelland, grandchildren Rylie (Andrew) Wilmore and SamMcClelland, and also his four children (step) Jacob and Jordan (Lacey) Cooper along with their 3 daughters, and Mitchell and Maddie Neeb. Phil’s heart had infinite love to share as he so unconditionally loved his entire family.

This incredible man left a legacy his parents would be proud of.

Celebration of Life 06/14/25 at McClelland Farms in Lake Odessa, MI