Colonel Gene Walter Blade, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away at the age of 91, on March 21, 2026.
He was born at home in North Henderson, Illinois on September 12, 1934, to Oscar and Stella (Brandvold) Blade. He married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn (Dugan) Blade in 1954.
Gene was raised on a farm near Cameron, Illinois. His early education began in the one-room Shortsville schoolhouse. He was always the only student in his grade, and frequently joked he was the top of his class for all eight years.
He graduated from Monmouth High School. He farmed and was the owner operator of the Firestone tire franchise in Monmouth. He went on to earn a degree in Economics from the University of Illinois.
Gene was also a graduate of the United States Army War College. He demonstrated unwavering commitment to service and leadership throughout his distinguished military career. Gene began as a Private in the Illinois National Guard, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1962. He retired from the US Army with the rank of Colonel after forty years of service.
From 1980 to 1994, he served as the Illinois United States Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO). As the USPFO, Gene had responsibility for all Federal resources in support of the Illinois Army and Air National Guard. He was awarded the Legion of Merit along with other ribbons and medals.
Deeply committed to developing future leaders, Gene served for many years on the selection board for the United States Military Service Academies. He took great pride in mentoring young men and women, offering guidance and steady counsel throughout his life. He was known for his positive outlook, tremendous work ethic, and steadfast leadership. One of his guiding principles— “Mission First, People Always”—reflected both his professional philosophy and his personal character.
Gene greatly valued the camaraderie of his military friends. He was a life member of the American Legion and an active member of the Military Officers Association of America. In recent years, he served as the emcee for military retiree luncheons where he delighted audiences with humorous stories and jokes.
Following his military retirement, Gene served for 15 years as special consultant on contract negotiations for Hanson Professional Services. He also served on and chaired the boards of numerous Illinois City and County Economic Development Commissions, contributing his insight and experience to the growth and prosperity of communities across the state.
For decades, Gene was committed to physical fitness and was a familiar presence at the YMCA, where he began his workouts at 5:00 a.m. each morning. He enjoyed woodworking, golfing, playing cards, and meeting friends over coffee. Gene and Marilyn enjoyed multiple cross-country trips on Amtrak, and river boat cruises.
Gene was an active member of the Lutheran Church, serving on or chairing numerous committees throughout his life. His faith was a steady foundation, expressed not only in service but in the way he lived.
Above all, Gene was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Marilyn (Dugan) Blade; daughter, Carol (Darryl)Yochem; son, Douglas (Patricia) Blade; four grandchildren Elizabeth (Thomas) Wood; Andrew Yochem; Matthew Blade; Allison Blade; and three great-granddaughters; sister-in-law, Donna DeWaele; nephew Gray (Cindy) Pierson; nieces Paula (Dan)Walker and Karen Clark.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and his brother and sister-in-law Dale and Dorothy Blade.
His legacy of service, integrity, mentorship, and love will live on in all who knew him.
Visitation: 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.
Funeral Service: 9:00 am, Friday, March 27, 2026, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Pastor Linda Strader officiating.
Graveside Service: 1:00 pm, Friday, March 27, 2026, at Warren County Memorial Park in Monmouth, IL, where military honors will be conducted. Gene’s family will receive friends at the American Legion Post 136 in Monmouth following the graveside service.
Memorial contributions may be made to SIU School of Medicine Simmons Cancer Institute or to the Wounded Warrior Project.
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