Obituary: John Thomas Korican

John Thomas Korican (January 10, 1939 – Saturday, May 25, 2024)

John Thomas Korican, of Manchester, Michigan, 85, passed away peacefully at his home, Saturday, May 25, 2024, while in his recliner watching baseball.

He was born on January 10, 1939, to Emil and Elizabeth Korican. He was a proud graduate of Britton-Macon Schools, class of 1957. He attended Eastern Michigan University where he played baseball and graduated with a teaching degree in 1961, and completed his Master’s Degree in 1965. 

On August 12, 1961, John married the love of his life Mary Alice (Lannom) Korican. Both dedicated their lives to teaching and coaching. John taught one year at Britton, Deerfield, and Tecumseh before finding a permanent home at Manchester Community Schools. He taught for 35 years in addition to serving as principal, vice principal, and athletic director as well as coaching a multitude of athletic teams at Manchester. He loved the town of Manchester and all of the people, students and athletes he had the honor of working with throughout his career. 

John was a devoted member of Emanuel United Church of Christ, serving as a board member for several years. He also volunteered for many events throughout the community through his memberships in the Optimist Club and the Manchester Men’s Club. John and Mary were elected Grand Marshall of the Manchester Fair in 2017.  John loved to golf, play bridge, volunteer in the community, and support Manchester. He could often be found at the coffee shop or at any Flying Dutchmen athletic event. 

John is survived by his only son John Thomas Korican II (Carrie), his grandsons Jacob Anthony Korican and Samuel Tanner Korican, sister Emilie Michajlenko (Oleg), brother Walter Korican (Debbie) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his soulmate Mary Alice (Lannom) Korican, married 61 years, and his parents Emil and Elizabeth (Bessie Machacek) Korican. 

There will be a gathering of family and friends at Emanuel United Church of Christ (324 West Main Street, Manchester, Michigan 48158) on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 12:00PM-1:00PM with the memorial service beginning at 1:00PM; Reverends Gene Blair and David Bucholtz officiating. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Emanuel United Church of Christ, in Manchester, MI. 

Please leave a message of comfort for John’s family or sign his guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.