SR0710 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0710 LRB104 21361 RMO 36272 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Colonel Gene Walter Blade of Springfield, who passed away on March 21, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Gene Blade, the son of Oscar and Stella (Brandvold) Blade, was born in North Henderson on September 12, 1934; he was raised on a farm near Cameron and completed his early education in the one-room Shortsville School, later graduating from Monmouth High School; he earned a degree in economics from the University of Illinois and graduated from the United States Army War College; he married Marilyn (Dugan) Blade in 1954; and

WHEREAS, Gene Blade farmed and also owned and operated a Firestone Tire franchise in Monmouth; and

WHEREAS, Gene Blade began his military career as a Private in the Illinois Army National Guard, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1962, and rose to the rank of Colonel; he received a variety of ribbons and medals, including the Legion of Merit; and

WHEREAS, Gene Blade served as the United States Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO) for the Illinois Army and Air National Guard from 1980 through 1994; upon retiring from the military after 40 years of service, he acted as special consultant on contract negotiations for Hanson Professional Services for 15 years; and

WHEREAS, Gene Blade served for many years on the selection board for the United States Military Service Academies; he was a board member and chairman of numerous city and county Economic Development Commissions in Illinois; he was a lifelong member of the American Legion and belonged to the Military Officers Association of America; in recent years, he served as emcee for military retiree luncheons; and

WHEREAS, Gene Blade was an active member of his Lutheran church, serving as a member and chairman of numerous committees throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Gene Blade enjoyed woodworking, golf, playing cards, and having coffee with friends; for decades, he was committed to physical fitness and completed daily early-morning workouts at the YMCA; he was devoted to his family above all, and he and his wife enjoyed taking river boat cruises and cross-country trips on Amtrak; and

WHEREAS, Gene Blade will be remembered for his positive outlook, tremendous work ethic, and steadfast leadership; one of his guiding principles was the Army motto "Mission First, People Always", which was reflected in his professional philosophy and personal character; and

WHEREAS, Gene Blade was preceded in death by his parents and his brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Dorothy Blade; and

WHEREAS, Gene Blade is survived by his wife of 71 years, Marilyn; his daughter, Carol (Darryl) Yochem; his son, Douglas (Patricia) Blade; his sister-in-law, Donna DeWaele; four grandchildren; three great-granddaughters; his nephew; and two nieces; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Colonel Gene Walter Blade and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Gene Blade as an expression of our deepest sympathy.