Wayland native Jack Deering died Sunday, May 10, at his Newaygo home on the Muskegon River. He was 87.

Jack was born in Wayland on March 22, 1933, to Jacob and Maude (Albright) Deering. He married Noma Perry Moore on Jan. 14, 2011. Jack worked as a heavy equipment operator for Grand Rapids Gravel for 44 years. He was proud to say he only missed one day of work in all of those years.

Jack loved the river, hosting many parties for friends and family. He also loved to hunt and fish and was an avid outdoorsman. He welcomed everyone to sit on the deck to enjoy the river.

Jack was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 4249 in Newaygo, and the American Legion 381 in Croton. He was a veteran of the Korean War, building airstrips for the base. He was also a member of the Operating Engineers Union in Grand Rapids.

Jack is survived by his wife Noma, two sons; Jacob (Laurie) Deering III of Wayland and Scott (Rose) Moore of Grant, five daughters; Jodie DeYoung of Rockford, Laura Bates of Newaygo, Peggy (Scott) Meeuwenberg of Sparta, Chris (Geary) Olk of Holland, Sally (Steve) Prangley of Jonesboro, Ga., sister Helen Deering of Byron Center, 20 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, three great-great- grandchildren and a very dear friend Greg Gagnon.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Dale Deering and Bud Deering, sisters; Thelma Deering, Mary Antor and Joan Hazen.

A celebration of life, with military honors, will be held Saturday, July 18, at his home, 7744 Main St., Newaygo. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Hospice of Michigan or Tony Semple Foundation for Help, 7400 Hickory Valley, Fenton MI 48430.