Eugene K. Blades
Eugene K. Blades, 81, died
Tuesday (April 25, 2006) at his residence in Newton. He was born Jan. 1, 1925,
to Ira Jean and Susan (Krembs) Blades in Holliday, Mo. They preceded him in
death. He married Carolyn Mae Fitch Feb. 8, 1956, in El Dorado. She preceded
him in death Nov. 18, 1992. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Gene retired from the Santa
Fe Railroad after 36 years as chief clerk to the trainmaster. He was an elder
emeritus and had served on the board of First Christian Church in Newton. He
also was past commander of the American Legion Post No. Two, a member of the
ABC Bowlers Hall of Fame, and he coached softball and youth baseball. Gene was
an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and an active member of the committee to save
Engine 1880 in Newton.
Survivors include: a son,
Donald D. Blades of Newton; a stepson, Larry Lein of Newton; stepdaughters,
Roberta Seibel and Shirley Edwards, both of Newton; a sister, Jane Callison of
Paris, Mo.; two nieces; three nephews; 11 grandchildren; 10
great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death
by brothers, James H. Blades and Ray Blades.
Visitation will be from 9
a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday with family greeting friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at
Petersen Funeral Home.
Funeral service will be 10
a.m. Friday at First Christian Church with Pastor Gary Bell officiating.
Burial will be in Hillcrest
Cemetery in Florence.
Memorials have been
established with the First Christian Church Building Fund and Hospice Care of
Kansas, both in care of the funeral home.
