Wyman William Clagett

Having come to the end of his earthly sojourn, Wyman bid family and friends a victorious farewell and, accompanied by an angelic escort, joyously departed for his home in heaven to be welcomed into the warm embrace of his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Wyman was born on a small farm near Hastings.  He grew up on the family farm during the depression years, attended a small country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Hastings High School in the "Class of 39".  Upon graduation he went to work for E.W. Bliss Co., until joining the Army in 1942.  He served in Europe as a Surgical Technician until 1945.  He was discharged from the Army in 1945 as a Staff Sgt.  Upon discharge, Wyman returned to Hastings where he married the love of his life, Ruth Coldren, in 1946.

Wyman and Ruth moved to California where Wyman attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara.  They returned to Michigan in 1947.  After returning to Michigan, Wyman again went to work as a machinist for the E.W. Bliss Co., until he retired in order to start Hastings Business Services providing income tax and accounting services.  After selling the business, and not being one to sit around he went to work for Westdale Realty in Grand Rapids until taking a position with Old Kent Bank Mortgage Services in Grand Rapids.  There he remained until he retired for the last time.

Throughout his lifetime he served faithfully as a Deacon, church treasurer, and Sunday School teacher for Hastings Baptist Church until he became a founding member of Lakewood Baptist Church.  He was also active on the "Christ for the Philippines" mission board for several years.  Until the last days of his life, Wyman was known for his moving prayers, his remarkable knowledge of scripture, his desire to share that knowledge with others, and his faithful devotion to his wife and children and above all his Lord.

Wyman was preceded in death by Ruth, his wife of 58 years, a son, Nick, his parents, Bill and Nellie Clagett, his brother, Marvin, his sister, Melva Allerding, and grandson, Tony Laxton.

He is survived by his son, David (Faye) Clagett of Hastings, son, Paul (Sherry) Clagett of Corsicana, TX, daughter, Suzanne (Steve) Graham, of Green Bay, WI, daughter, Cathy (Richard) Terpstra of Kentwood, MI, 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and 1 on the way this summer.

Wyman's family would like to thank the staff at Carveth Village for caring for him with compassion, sincere love, and laughter as he maintained his sense of humor into his last days. You truly became his home and family. Also, thank you to Kindred Hospice as you cared for Dad and his family while he completed his journey on earth. A special thanks to each one who helped him achieve his long time desire to have a beard. You made a 96 year old man very happy.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2018 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings.  Funeral services will follow visitation at 1:00 pm.  Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Hastings, full military honors provided by American Legion Post 45 and active Army personnel. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.