Died: Friday, June 02, 2017

Age: 78

Kenneth Dale Blades, 78, died suddenly June 2.

Those left to cherish memories include his wife of 58 years, Margaret Howard Blades; and his children, Jeffrey (Maria Lieser) and Cynthia (Paul) Schon. Mr. Blades was the proud “Boom-Pa” of Nathan and Kelsey Blades and Madison Schon.

Baseball was in his blood and the Cardinals his only team. Mr. Blades loved all sports as spectator or participant. He was a member of the Century Club and loved to travel as well as to fish, hunt and play golf.

Mr. Blades served in the U.S. Army, earning distinction as both a sharpshooter and supply sergeant. He served on several non-profit boards, including the South County YMCA and the St. Louis March of Dimes.

He was a retiree from Southwestern Bell.

Mr. Blades will continue to serve by donating his body for scientific research to the National Body Donor Program.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy, 2816 Sutton, No. 2, St. Louis, Mo. 63143.

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