John William Broughton

John William Broughton, age 76, died August 3, 2026. Born April 12, 1950, in Battle Creek, Michigan, John was the son of Ernest and Evelyn Broughton. He later made his home in Lansing, Michigan, where his steady presence and generous spirit were felt across family, faith communities, and public life.

John earned his bachelor’s degree and teaching certification from Michigan State University, a foundation that reflected his respect for learning and his belief in serving others with care and competence.

In his professional and civic life, John served the State of Michigan and gave his time faithfully to the institutions that shape a community’s daily well-being. He was choir director at Pilgrim Congregational Church, bringing discipline and devotion to the work of music. He also served as a member and president of the Waverly School Board, and as a trustee for Lansing Township.

A committed Christian who led with an open heart, John was active at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lansing and Pilgrim Congregational Church in Lansing. Music remained a constant thread throughout his life, expressed through his involvement with the Lange Choral Ensemble, MSU Choral Union, Renaissance Singers, and Richard Fracker’s voice studio. In every setting, he had a gift for connection—making friends with almost everyone he met, and offering warmth that put others at ease.

He found deep love for gardening, including growing plants for the Food Bank’s Community Garden Program. He also enjoyed singing, cooking, and traveling.

John was married to Susan Broughton for 56 years, a partnership marked by devotion and enduring love.

He is survived by his spouse, Susan; his children, Ian (Brooke) and Devin (Kristin); his grandchildren, Kellan and Liam; and his sister, Susan Keenan. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Patrick Keenan.

John’s legacy is one of kindness, faith, and a deep regard for human dignity. He cared deeply for human rights and public service. Above all, he loved his family—and that love, steady and abiding, will remain his most lasting gift.

Memorial services are unknown at this time but will be updated as soon as possible.