Kenneth A. Blade

Kenneth A. Blade of 331 West Delaware Ave. passed away Thursday (July 25, 2013) at Olean General Hospital surrounded by his loving family following an illness. Ken was born Feb. 2, 1934 in Olean and was a son of Gordon C. and Martha Mae Black Blades. On March 16, 1952, at the Four Square Gospel Tabernacle Church in Olean, he married his wife of 61 years, Deloris D. Foster, who survives. Ken was a 1951 graduated from Monroe High School in Spencerport NY. He was member of the International Brothers of the Teamsters Union #649. Ken drove truck for many local companies throughout his career and retired from Consolidated Freight in 1994. After his truck driving career he went to work for the City of Olean on Front Street at the City's Refuse and Lot Brush for a number of years. He was an avid bowler and was the leagues secretary/treasurer for many years. He bowled on the Wednesday Niners. Kenneth was a fan of NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt. He was a member of the Eagles FOE #616. He enjoyed computers and doing "brain teasers." Kenneth was an accomplished woodworker and especially was know for making picnic tables and was also know as a "Jack of all Trades." Along with his loving wife, Kenneth is survived by three sons, Kenneth G. (Nancy) Blade of Olean, Lance R. (Laurie) Blade of Denton, NC, and SSG Brian K. (Nichole) Blade Stationed at Ft. Drum, NY; four daughters, Brenda J. Pierce of Limestone, Danita J. Colley of Olean, Andrie J. (Thomas) Butts of Alamogordo, NM, and Ellena J. Blade of Olean; 25 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; five stepbrothers, Guy, Jerry, William, Robert, & Danny Richardson; many nieces & nephews; and his cat, Buddy. In Addition to his parents Ken was pre-deceased by his step mother, Dorothy Blades; infant son, Barry A. Blade; one grandson, Geoffrey Anderson on March 2, 1999; one daughter, Carla J. Blade on Dec. 14, 2001; three brothers, Thomas C., Theron, & Gordon A. Blades; and one sister, Elizabeth Wright. Friends will be received Sunday, July 28, 2013 at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State Street, Olean from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, July 29, 2013 at 2 pm. The Rev. Robert Klouw, Pastor of the Bradford First Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Burial will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Online condolences may be made by clicking on the button above.