Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....McClelland, Phillip Richard December 19, 2024
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Patricia Currigan currigan1932@concast.net September 28, 2025, 9:14 am

Hasting's Banner - Saturday December 2024

Phillip Richard McClelland
11/29/1947-12/19/2024

SO GOD SAVED A FARMER, BY JENNIFER McCLELLAND

God was so proud of this tenacious and stubborn man.
Who caed 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
Through 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 
Lew Body Dementia with Parkinson's. Both gave hime 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.

Philip 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,MI, 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. Academy 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, three Purple Hearts, and two 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 o the Ionia 
County Board of Realtors. Phil served 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 his wife, Jennifer McClelland; his children, Heather McClelland (John 
Bethell), Duffy (Melissa)McClelland; grandchildren, Rylie(Andrew) Wilmore and 
Sam McClelland, and also his our children, (step)Jacob and Jordan(Lacey) Cooper 
along wih their three 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 parens would be proud of.
Celebration of Life 06/14/25 at McClelland Farmes in Lake Odessa, MI.


Additional Comments:
Army Vietnam

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