John McQueen Jr.

John McQueen Jr., of Manton and formerly of the Pontiac area, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Autumnwood of McBain. He was 73.

John was born on April 27, 1953 in Norfolk,  Virginia to John and Esther (Morris) McQueen. After graduating high school, John proudly served his country in the United States Navy before beginning his career working for the Postal Service as a carrier. He then began working as a firefighter in Pontiac, Michigan. 

On August 31, 1979, in Pontiac, Michigan, John married the love of his life, Candis "Candy" Atchinson. From the day they met until his final days, he was head over heels in love with her. Together, they built a life filled with boisterous laughter and many accomplishments, while family remained the center of John's world. Together, he and his wife helped raise a remarkable family, even making sure to include neighbors and friends to join in celebration and casual dinners alike. He took great pride in his whole family, and found immense joy in watching his family grow through the generations. His love was constant, his support unwavering, and his presence a source of strength and comfort.

John was known for his thoughtfulness and never missed an opportunity to make someone feel special. He remembered birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and important milestones, often calling with heartfelt messages that brightened the days of family and friends. His genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. A true social butterfly, John could strike up a conversation with anyone. His warm smile, infectious sense of humor, and easy-going nature drew people to him wherever he went. Whether sharing stories, jokes, or simply offering a listening ear, he had a gift for making people feel valued and comfortable. John also had a passion for music and was known for his wonderful singing voice, he loved sharing songs with family and friends. In his spare time, he could often be found with a good book in his hands; whether a thrilling or adventurous story, or an old western by Louis L'Amour. He enjoyed euchre, playing golf, and doing cross word puzzles, almost as much as he enjoyed red velvet cake and Lemon Heads candy.  He was also a fan of Star Trek, embracing its spirit of exploration, hope, and adventure throughout his life. In the late 1990's, John and his wife moved to Manton, Michigan, where they enjoyed a quieter pace of life. By the early 2000's John officially retired. The couple spent 43 years together until her time of passing on May 11, 2022. He will be remembered for his generous heart, the best hugs that melted away any sorrows, his loyalty to family and friends, his thoughtful gestures, his unforgettable smile, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

John is survived by his loving children; Angela (Craig) Spicer, Melissa Atchinson, Alicia Madill, Siobhan McQueen (Dominic), Gavin Madill, Meghan Woolner, Kailin Day (Michael), Bridget McQueen, Morigan Sharpe; grandchildren; Kami Stevenson (Michael), Sofia Sandoval, Ruby McQueen, Gabriel McQueen, great-grandchildren; and many other loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Candy; his parents, John and Esther; and two sisters, Loretta Anderson and Judy Davis.

Graveside committal services will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 3:00pm at Liberty Township Cemetery in Manton.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.Hall-Holdship.com.

The family is being served by Hall-Holdship Funeral Home.

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