John D. Palethorpe

John David Palethorpe, age 66, of Belding, passed away Thursday afternoon, July 17, 2025, at Corewell Health United Memorial Hospital in Greenville, following a year-long battle with cancer, with his loving family by his side. He was born on June 28, 1959, in Greenville, Michigan, son of Thomas Herbert and Barbara Loretta (Johnson) Palethorpe, both of whom preceded him in death. He attended Belding Schools and worked for many years as a Bander Operator at Electrolux prior to the plant closing. He was also a member of the Belding Fire Department for 25 plus years, which was his passion. He loved all things Firefighter, the training, the challenges, the camaraderie, and the service to community. He even began collecting memorabilia having to do with firefighting including old fire hydrants and other items he would find during his travels. He also enjoyed hunting and had begun collecting rocks for fun as well. He was a regular at the retired firefighter breakfast gatherings, which is frequently referred to as the “fossil club” He had a fun-loving spirit and will be missed by his dear family and his many friends and firefighting comrades.

The memory of John will be cherished by his dear wife, Gaila, with whom he exchanged vows on June 19, 2004, at Townsend Park in Rockford, and shared more than 20 years of marriage; his dear children, Jenifier (Leon Nielson) Palethorpe of Belding, Justin Palethorpe of Crystal, Charles (Kim) Bliss of Cedar Springs, Amanda (Adam) Wills of Rockford and Sara O’Dell of Crystal; grandchildren Dakota Lanning, Joseph (Sonya) Lanning, Olivia Palethorpe, Corbin Palethorpe, Austin Palethorpe, Chance Palethorpe, Quentin Bliss, Isaac Bliss, Kaleb Durkee, Natalie Massar, Dylan Massar, Jackson Wills, Hazel Wills, Camden O’Dell and Reaghan O’Dell; a sister, Debra Kay Bentley of Orleans; a sister-in-law Deborah Palethorpe of Lowell; a nephew Thomas Smith of Orleans; a great niece and a great nephew; his mother-in-law Karen Becker of Sparta; and a brother-in-law Scott Becker of Grand Rapids; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas L. Palethorpe; his father-in-law, David Becker; and a brother-in-law, James Bentey.

John’s family would like to thank the many doctors, technicians, nurses and other caregivers who provided support, advice and care throughout his illness. Their compassion and professionalism were truly a gift.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for the near future. Please check the funeral home website for updates as arrangements are confirmed. For those wishing to express their sympathy, a donation in John’s memory to assist the family with medical and memorial expenses is suggested. For additional information please contact Verdun Family Funeral Home in Belding at (616) 794-1300, who is caring for the arrangements.