Leland Duane “Bus” Rathbun, 98, of Coldwater passed away peacefully Saturday, July 18, 2026 at LakeHouse in Coldwater.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Church in Coldwater. Interment will follow the service at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater where the family warmly welcomes and encourages U of M attire.
Born January 4, 1928 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Bus was the son of Chester and Arnauld (Kimmel) Rathbun. A proud patriot, he honorably served his country in the United States Army, carrying with him a quiet sense of duty and commitment throughout his life.
August 16, 1958 Leland married the love of his life, Mary J. Widener, in Coldwater. Together they built a home filled with faith, laughter, and unconditional love. They shared nearly 57 wonderful years of marriage before Mary’s passing June 4, 2015.
Their enduring devotion to one another was an example to all who knew them.
Bus dedicated more than three decades of his career to Gambles, where he worked as a dispatcher from 1952 until his retirement in 1984. Never one to shy away from hard work, he later served as the janitor at the Free Methodist Church in Coldwater from 1991 to 2014, caring for the church he so dearly loved with humility and pride. A faithful member of the congregation, Bus found strength and purpose through his church family.
He was also an active member of the Teamsters, serving as president of his local chapter.
Life’s greatest joys for Bus were centered around the people he loved. Whether cheering on his beloved University of Michigan teams, spending a day on the golf course, tending to farming, or traveling whenever the opportunity arose, he appreciated life’s simple pleasures. Yet nothing compared to the happiness he found in gathering with his family and friends. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him immeasurable pride and countless smiles. Bus was known for his quick wit and exceptional sense of humor, always ready with a clever remark that could brighten someone’s day.
He also carried a few unique distinctions that became cherished family stories. Despite living nearly a century, he never ate pizza—not even once—and he didn’t experience his very first airplane ride until he was 88 years old, proving it is never too late for a new adventure.
He is lovingly remembered by his children, Sharon (Mark) Odisher of Coldwater, Susan (Terry) Holt of Bronson, Daniel (Pam) Rathbun of Norfolk, Virginia, and Roger (Teri) Rathbun of Coldwater; his grandchildren, Jennifer Barringer, Amy Callahan, Joshua Rathbun, Dana (Ramone) Smith, and Jennifer Cline; his great-grandchildren, Owen Callahan, Drake McBride, Mya McBride, Robin Cline, and Shannon Cline; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to his beloved wife, Mary, Bus was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Doris Woods, Jean Zylman, Wilma Cekander, Clara Lacy, and Pauline Canon; his brothers, Victor, Clyde, Lee, and Herman Rathbun; and his grandson-in-law, Shane Barringer.
Bus’s life was defined by faith, service, hard work, and an unwavering love for his family. His warm smile, infectious humor, and kind heart touched generations of family, friends, neighbors, and church members. While he will be deeply missed, those who knew and loved him will forever cherish the memories he created and the legacy of love, laughter, and quiet strength that he leaves behind.
Leland’s family would like to share a very special thank you to staff of LakeHouse and Heartland Hospice, especially Emily, Maggie, and Amanda for the warm and tender care of their loved one.
Memorial donations may be made to LakeHouse, Branch County Veteran’s Affairs, or to the Branch Area Food Pantry.
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