John Lyle English

John Lyle English (Fr. English), age 91, was reunited with his family in heaven October 1, 2021. John was surrounded by his loving wife and family at home in Grand Rapids. John was born July 19, 1930 to Viola and Lowell English in Detroit, Michigan.

After serving in the U.S. Army, he met his wife, Jan (Jeanette M. DeClercq) at Michigan State, and they married in 1955, later having four children. John served the parish of Saint Katherine's and Saint Mary's Episcopal Church in Wisconsin, Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, Saint Andrew's Church in Big Rapids, and Saint Philip's Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids until he was 81. Anyone who knew John described him as a kind, loving, and peaceful man. Every time John laughed he brought joy to his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife; two sisters Rosemary Simmons and Nancy Gribb; children Timothy (Lisa) English, Elizabeth (Ion Kleiman) English, Steve (Melania) English, and Rebecca (Jim Schulz) English; and eight grandchildren.

He was the kindest, gentlest, most compassionate man many of us will ever have met. He was a stone tossed into a lake causing ripples of goodness and joy to reach ever outward. The world has lost a bright light, but if we continue all things good that he lived by and taught us, we can carry on that light.

Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at Cook Funeral Home (West building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6 at Saint Philip's Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Saint Philip's Episcopal Church. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.