Charles Paul Blades, age 77, of Benton, passed away at his home on April 2, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on June 10, 1947, in Eldorado, Illinois, Charles was a graduate of McLeansboro High School, Class of 1965. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and later a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Administration and Services from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1983. Charles dedicated many years of his life to public service, retiring in 2003 as the Regional Supervisor for the Department of Human Services, where he made a lasting impact on the community.
Charles was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Rebecca, with whom he shared 50 wonderful years of marriage, a loving father to his four children, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.
An avid outdoorsman, Charles found joy in hunting, fishing, and immersing himself in nature. He was also a ham radio operator, known by his call sign KT9D, which connected him with friends and fellow enthusiasts. He was a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Benton. Additionally, he was proud to be associated with the fraternal orders of the Elk’s and the Eagles in McLeansboro.
Charles was preceded in death by his first spouse, Deborah (Dean) Blades; his father, Charles W. Blades and stepmother, Charlene; his mother, Elsie Geneva (Knight) Sneed; his two sisters, Sylvia Sutphin and Linda Rubenacker; and his brother-in-law, Linus Rubenacker.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Wolf) Blades; son, John Bradley Blades and his wife, Paula; son, Timothy Blades and his wife, Misty; son, Brian Blades and his wife, Sarah; and daughter, Amanda (Blades) Burton and her fiancé, Josh Stockinger; his grandchildren, Brittni Blades, Kaitlin Rubenacker, Logan Blades, Emily Braden, Alison Blades, Breanna Blades, Kaden Blades, Alexa Blades, and Korie Blades; and his great-grandchildren, Chloe James, Corbin Peterson, Leland Paul Rubenacker, Blakely Rubenacker, Otto Rubenacker, Paisley Blades, Landon Blades, and Charles Axel Race Blades.
He is remembered as a beloved spouse, father, grandfather, and friend, who touched the lives of many. Charles will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Following a dinner for family and friends, Charles will be interred at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery in Piopolis.
Services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
The family prefers in lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to St. Jude – Children’s Research Hospital.
May Charles Paul Blades rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love he so generously shared throughout his life.
To leave condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Charles, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.
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