- Date Of Birth: November 29, 1931
- Date Of Death: November 22, 2015
- State: Michigan
John Hayes Greer, 83, passed away with his family at his side on Sunday, November 22 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. John was born in Sikeston, Missouri, on November 29, 1931, and at age five journeyed with his mother Eleanor to Kalamazoo, MI, where he made his home.
At age 16, from 1947-51, he served as a combat paratrooper in the 11th Army Airborne “Hells Angels” during the Korean War. Upon returning from Korea, he met Vlasta Chlebana and married on June 6, 1953, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kalamazoo.
John was a voracious reader, and an avid hunter as well, never missing an opening day of deer, partridge, or pheasant season. He enjoyed mushrooming with Vlasta and his family, which included countless trips to the family cabin that he built in Freesoil. John also loved biking, walking, playing cards, boating, golfing, tennis, and numerous outdoor activities. He also liked the music of all kinds, including attending many concerts at Mattawan High School and the Gull Lake Jazz Band.
He loved talking with his customers at his party store, Douglas Avenue Food and Beverage, where he spent many hours building a successful business.
John spent many summer nights on the front porch of his Eagle Lake home socializing with his friends and neighbors.
He is survived by his wife Vlasta Greer of Kalamazoo, his children Kreg Greer, (Christine) Greer of Marquette, Mark Greer, (Carolyn) of Kalamazoo, Michele of Kalamazoo, Cris (Anita) Greer of Jenison and nine grandchildren Kreggy, Devin, Anastasia, Connor, Aaron, Anna, Joey, Andy, Hayes (Ashley).
