Lindell D. Blades

September 14, 1944 - February 1, 2016

Lindell D. Blades, age 71, lifelong resident of West Frankfort, IL, passed away peacefully at 3:00 a.m. on Monday, February 1, 2016, at his home. He was born on Thursday, September 14, 1944, in West Frankfort, IL the son of George A. and Marie (Kane) Blades. Lindell grew up in West Frankfort and was a graduate of Frankfort Community High School Class of 1963. Several years later, he went on with his education by attending the Police Training Institute at Rend Lake College, passed testing, and received his law enforcement certification. After high school he began working, along with other family members, at Benton Bakery, Benton, IL, Table Pride Bakery in West Frankfort and later his family opened Blades’ Bakery in West Frankfort. He continued at Blades’ Bakery and also worked as a line inspector for Norge in Herrin, IL for 11 years. Then in 1975, he began his long career with law enforcement as a patrolman with the West Frankfort Police Department. During his career he was awarded the “Medal of Valor” from the department. He advanced with the department, achieving the rank of lieutenant, and then in 1979 he became the Chief of Police, something he was very proud of. He continued as Chief, for most of the next 18 years until his retirement in 1997. After his retirement, he helped care for his wife, Shelia until she passed away. After her death he started over-the-road truck driving for a short time until he was offered the opportunity in 2002 to begin working security at John A. Logan College of Carterville and was still employed at the college in security at the time of his death. Lindell was first united in marriage to Shelia Kay Foster on Saturday, October 3, 1964 in Rosiclare, IL and together shared nearly 37 years of marriage until her death on Saturday, September 15, 2001. He later was united in marriage to Johnnie Martha Wittkamp on Saturday, June 25, 2005, in Galatia, IL and together they have shared over 10 years of marriage and she survives. He was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church of Galatia, IL. He also was a member of Frankfort No. 567 Masonic Lodge of West Frankfort where he served as Past Master, member of the Illinois Police Association, served as President of the West Frankfort Police Association and has served on the Police Pension Board for 30 years. Lindell was a community minded person, always willing to give back his time and energy to his home community and region. He organized many country music fundraisers for the West Frankfort Police Association to help with the purchase of equipment for the police auxiliary. He served as judge for the Boy Scout Soap Box Derby, raised money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and organized and took the D.A.R.E. Program around to the area schools. In his spare time he enjoyed coon hunting, participating in jam sessions with his bluegrass music friends, fishing and camping, hosting fish frys at his home where he also held his annual Halloween Chili Hayride with his many friends. He loved being with his family and was always interested in their many activities, especially those of his grandchildren. The many memories that have been created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his wife, Johnnie Martha Blades of West Frankfort; two sons and daughter-in-law, Lindell Ray and Karen Blades of West Frankfort and Kevin Bruce Blades of Marion, IL; daughter and son-in-law, Deanna and Dax Davidson of West Frankfort; two step sons and their wives, Sean and Lisa King of Greenup, IL and Devin and Tammy King of Rose Bud, AR; step daughter and her husband, Aaron Sue and Kelly Tyner of Vincennes, IN; seven granddaughters, Hannah King of Paris, IL, MaKenzie Blades of West Frankfort, Cara Vancil of Linton, IN, Patricia Blades of Marion, IL, Alanis and Aleah Davidson of West Frankfort and Katelyn Brooke Tyner of Vincennes, IN; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack and Frances Blades of West Frankfort and John D. and Connie Blades of Alabama; two sisters and brother-in-law, Lu Tefertiller and Ruth Ann and Jerry Spears all of West Frankfort; sister-in-law, Jane Blades of West Frankfort; three brothers-in-law, Waldo Cogdill and Joe Whittkamp and his wife, June all of West Frankfort and David Foster of Benton, IL, a host of nieces and nephews, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Shelia; stepson, Matthew Vancil; grandson, Clayton Blades; granddaughter, Bayley Nicole King; three brothers, Stanley, Oakley and Donald Blades; two sisters, Mary Ellen Carlson and Emma Elizabeth Cogdill and brother-in-law, Kenny Foster. Arrangements for Lindell D. Blades were entrusted to Stone Funeral Home, 1201 East Poplar St., of West Frankfort, IL. The visitation was from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4th, at First Christian Church located at 1001 South Cherry Street, of West Frankfort, IL. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of Lindell’s life was presented to the family and friends. The Masonic service was accorded at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, by Frankfort No. 567 Masonic Lodge. The visitation resumed on Friday morning, February 5, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church. Prior to the time of the service bagpiper, Paul Thompson piped a medley of tunes as law enforcement official presented their walk thru ceremony. Following the walk thru the funeral service was at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Roger Marvel presiding. Comments of memory and reading of the “Policeman’s Prayer” were presented by Lindell’s son, Ray Blades. The prelude and postlude musical selections were recorded bluegrass selections. Special bluegrass selections presented during the service were “I’ll Fly Away” and “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” presented by Jim Rotramel on the banjo, Terry Conner on the guitar and singing vocal, Glenda Shew on the upright bass and Jack Blades on the mandolin. The service concluded with the recorded musical selection “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill. Interment followed next to his first wife Shelia in Tower Heights Cemetery of West Frankfort. The casket was led to the gravesite by bagpiper, Paul Thompson who also presented the special selection “Amazing Grace” during the committal service. Pallbearers were John Blades, Kevin Blades, Dax Davidson, Devin King, Chad Blades, Daniel Loeh, Sean King and Kelly Tyner. Following the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at First Christian Church in Johnston City, IL for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to either “West Frankfort Police Auxiliary” or “Hospice of Southern Illinois” and mailed in care of Stone Funeral Home, 1201 East Poplar St., West Frankfort, IL 62896. Memorial envelopes were available at the church. For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-932-2161.