S. John McIlroy, 87, of Portage, Michigan and formerly of Wolcottville, Indiana died Sunday, April 26, 2026, at his residence.

He was born February 13, 1939, in Delaplaine, Arkansas, to S. Willard and Mildred E. (Grills) McIlroy.

On August 7, 1992, in Albion he married Janet L. “Jan” Harrison. She preceded him in death on February 19, 2020.

John honorably served in the U.S. Air National Guard from 1957 to 1962, a commitment that reflected his lifelong dedication to service and country. After completing his military service, he built a long and skilled career as a Journeyman sheet metal worker, retiring from Upjohn–Pfizer in Portage, Michigan.

John was deeply involved in veterans’ and fraternal organizations throughout his life. He was a life member of Rome City American Legion Post 381 and Kendallville VFW Post 2749, and a proud member of the Albion Masonic Lodge Post 97, where he first became a Mason in 1969 while living in Michigan. He also served with the Veterans Honor Guard, offering final honors to fellow service members with dignity and respect.

Surviving are a daughter, Michele Leonard of Kalamazoo, Michigan; a son, Kurt J. McIlroy of Portage, Michigan; a stepson, Scott (Cathy) Duncan of Fayetteville, Pennsylvania; two stepdaughters, LuAnn (Scott) Fawley of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Laura (Ronald) Osterhouse of Portage, Michigan; a daughter-in-law, Maria McIlroy of Vicksburg, Michigan; two grandchildren, Kaylee McIlroy and Jason McIlroy; 6 step grandchildren; 13 step great-grandchildren; a sister, Elizabeth “Sis” Sims of Galesburg, Michigan; and two nephews, Lester Sims, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia, and Gary Sims of Kokomo.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; a son, Craig W. McIlroy; an infant brother, Tommy Darrell McIlroy; and a brother-in-law, Lester Sims, Sr.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 1, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9 North, Wolcottville with Honor Guard Chaplain, Roger Ford officiating.

Visitation will also be on Friday, one hour prior to the funeral service.

Honor guard services will be provided by the Veterans Honor Guard.

Burial will be at Orange Cemetery near Rome City at a later date.

Preferred memorials are to the Veterans Honor Guard.

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