Joseph Blades Obituary

Joseph "Joe" Phillip Blades, Lt Colonel, USAF, Retired, passed away Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at a local care center. He was 89 years old. Joe was born on June 21, 1922 in Marriott County, Ohio. He graduated from State Street High School, Bowling Green Kentucky, in 1939. Joe enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942. During his proud service to the United States, Joe completed his Bachelor of Arts and his Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder, CO. He traveled the world with his family, savoring the many countries and diverse cultures. In 1973 he moved to Colorado Springs, was assigned to HQ Air Defense Command and retired from service in July, 1976. He was an enthusiast of language, music, poetry and golf and a past member of the Hubert L. "Hooks" Jones Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Joseph is preceded in death by his parents Phillip Preston and Edith Lucille Blades, his wives Elizabeth (Betty) Cromwell Blades and Isla Shaw Blades, his sister, Mariam Carter and two brothers Hubert Blades and Melvin Blades. He is survived by his sister Rachael Blades, son, Stephen Blades, daughter, Joan Clemons, son-in-law, Russell Clemons, step sons Mark Shaw, John Shaw and Neil Shaw, grandchildren, Darran Clemons (Michel'le Orona), Neil, Malcolm, Isaac and Ayana Shaw. He will be remembered by his extended family, 4 great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews and countless friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 9, 2012 4-7 p.m. and funeral Service on Saturday, March 10 at 11 a.m. both at Evergreen Funeral Home, 1830 East Fountain Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hillside Community Center Youth and Senior Programs, 925 S. Institute, Colorado Springs 80903.