Glenn W. Alday

Glenn W. Alday, 97, of Bellevue and formerly of Battle Creek, passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at home.

Glenn was born in Ellis, Kansas on June 17, 1927, the son of Charles M. and Edna F. (Furbeck) Alday. He graduated from Battle Creek Public Schools in 1945 where he excelled in track and cross country.

Glenn joined the United States Marine Corps after high school graduation, returned to Battle Creek and married Carol Ragan in August of 1950. They lived in East Lansing where he graduated from Michigan State College in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree and in 1955 with a master’s degree in education.

Glenn served in the U.S.M.C. as an enlisted man for two and a half years. Two of those were in Tienstin, China, repatriating Japanese occupation troops to Japan with the Marines serving as a stabilizing force in North China. He then served in the Marine Reserves until joining the ROTC at Michigan State College where he was commissioned in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer. He served at Camp Atterbury, Indiana and later as an infantry platoon leader with the 7th Infantry Division in Korea. After release from active duty, he joined Army Reserve where he served a total of 37 years, including his active duty time, attaining the rank of Full Colonel. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commandants Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, China Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Korean Service Medal, Army Reserve Achievement Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the Ranger Tab.

Glenn was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Jeanne Carol in 2024. He is survived by two sons, James G. (Debra) of East Leroy and Bryan W. of Bellevue, MI; a daughter, Annette (Terry) Lake of Chapin, South Carolina; grandchildren, Jason (Megan) Alday, Sara (Craig) Briscoe, Bradley (Amanda) Lake and Catlin (Keith) Wemple, along with seven great-grandchildren.

Glenn was an avid MSU fan and spent many Saturday fall afternoons with Jim attending MSU Football games. The family spent many vacations at Camp Grayling, Michigan and Pompano Beach, FL. He loved having his family accompanying he and Carol, enjoying many experiences together.

Glenn was a member of Chapel Hill Methodist and Pennfield Presbyterian Churches. He also had life memberships in the MSU Alumni Association, First Marine Division Association, Reserve Officers Association and VFW. In addition he belonged to the Association of the US Army, China Marines Association and the Cereal City Lions Club of Battle Creek. He was a model train enthusiast and was a swimming and track official for college, high school and junior high school for 45 years.

After Carol’s death he frequently had breakfast with Bryan at Mr. Don’s where he enjoyed talking with former students and service members.

Funeral services to celebrate Glenn’s life will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, officiated by Rev. James Gysel. Interment with full military honors will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, starting at 12:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

A livestream of the service will be available at the following link:  https://vimeo.com/event/5079337