John Clealand Loyd

After spending his final days surrounded by and reminiscing with his family and friends, John Clealand Loyd, 61, of Murphysboro, departed from this world to join his parents and his son in his new heavenly home at 12:15am on February 11th, 2016. John was born in Carbondale on June 28, 1954 and was the beloved son of Odell V. and Jewell D Loyd of DeSoto, IL. He grew up in Desoto, graduating from both Desoto Grade School and Carbondale Community High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and spent the majority of his enlistment in Germany. Following his military discharge, John worked for a few years in the construction field and eventually opened his own construction business, Loyd Construction Company. In 1984, John began his career with the Murphysboro Fire Department and became a Licensed State Arson Investigator. He was also a member of the Rend Lake Search and Rescue Team. He took great pride in the work he did to serve his community, and considered his fellow firefighters as brothers. John was raised in a close knit Christian family and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Desoto. He was both the giver and recipient of an abundance of love throughout his life and rejoiced in being a father and truly enjoyed spending time with his children. The greatest loves of his life were his son Christopher, and his daughters Brigette and Kelsey. Along with his former wife, Lindy Loyd, he welcomed into his heart and home many foster children, including Gracy Kushner, Dale Dorch and Michael Scott. John grabbed life with both hands, fully enjoying a variety of hobbies and interests. He was a member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club, but also enjoyed skydiving, spelunking, scuba diving, wood working, coin collecting, camping, repelling, hiking, and so much more. He loved to laugh and often had a good joke to tell. His family was always very important to him and he loved his friends with all his heart. He was always there for anyone who needed him and he recently stated, “I lived it my way.” John is survived by his daughters Brigette Loyd (Daniel Richey) of Evansville, IN and Kelsey Loyd of Carbondale; Grandchildren Calie Loyd and Rowdy Loyd of Murphysboro, Ryder Loyd of Carbondale, Luke Loyd of Herrin, Camden and Kendall Kushner of Killdeer, IL; Sisters Barbara Humphrey of Royalton and Paulette Loyd-Johnson (John) of DeSoto; Nephews Kent Buckles (Marcie) of DeSoto, Randy Humphrey (Julie) of Royalton, Jon Humphrey (Andrea) of Carbondale and Keith Javors of Philadelphia, PA; seven great nephews and nieces, 2 aunts, 1 uncle, a host of cousins and friends, including his chosen brothers Randy Dodds and Ron Clarke, and his cat Cue. He was preceded in death by his son Christopher, his parents, his brother-in-law Guy Humphrey, grandparents and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation will be from 4 to 7pm on Monday, February 15, 2016, at Crawshaw Funeral Home in Murphysboro, at 7pm there will be a Firefighter walk through followed by a time for sharing memories by family and friends. At 11am on Tuesday, February, 16, 2016 the funeral procession will depart Crawshaw Funeral Home in route to DeSoto City Cemetery. Graveside services will begin upon arrival at DeSoto City Cemetery and will consist of a firefighter bell ceremony by the Murphysboro Fire Dept., a brief committal service by Pastor Chris Hottensen and conclude with Military rites by American Legion Paul Stout Post 127 of Murphysboro. Memorials are encouraged and may be made to the Rend Lake Search and Rescue team or to the Humane Society of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at Crawshaw Funeral Home. God saw that he was getting tired, He put his arms around him And said “Come with me”

John Clealand Loyd

June 28, 1954 - February 11, 2016