Died: Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Thomas L. Blades Sr. died March 31.
Born on a farm near Malden, he resided in south county.
Dr. Blades, who held a doctorate degree, retired from the Mehlville School District as superintendent in 1984 after serving the district 27 years.
He began his teaching career in the two-room school he once attended in rural Missouri. Dr. Blades began his career in Mehlville in 1957, teaching sixth grade at St. Johns Elementary School.
He later was principal of Oakville Elementary School and director of curriculum for the district before he was named superintendent in 1976.
Blades Elementary School, which opened in September 1972, is named after Dr. Blades.
Dr. Blades was a member of the Mehlville Optimist Club, Suburban Educators and Affton Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include his wife, Geraldine Blades (nee Reece); son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Valerie Blades Jr.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald and Linda Blades and Albert Lee and Susan Blades; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Richard McKee; and two grandchildren. Mr. Blades was preceded in death by brothers Harold Blades, Hurel Blades and Delmar Lee Blades, and sister Earline Wyman.
Services and visitation were at Heiligtaglang-Fendler Funeral Home in Arnold.
Burial was in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.