Vernon Lee Blades

Vernon Lee Blades passed away Friday September 20, 2019 at the age of 91 at his home in Meridian, Idaho. He was born October 7th 1927 in Guymon, Oklahoma to Lon George and Edna Polling Blades. Vern had a long fulfilling life. He loved and served the Lord all his life. He was a survivor of dust pneumonia during the "dirty 30's" at the age of 7. At that time, very few people survived dust pneumonia. His love of farm life began at the age of 11 working for different farmers. At age 17, he eloped with Rae Brewer who lived on a farm around the bend. Not long after, he started driving a road grader and various other heavy equipment for the county. After a vacation to Idaho in 1956, the family went back to Hardesty, Oklahoma, packed up and moved to Idaho. He worked many different jobs while in Idaho. Welding at Beal Pipe and Tank and at a construction company building a missile base that became obsolete before it was finished to name a few. In the summer of 1962, the construction company took the family to Aspen, Colorado where they lived in a tent by the river. Winter came and they returned to Oklahoma and he went back to working for the county. In 1971, the family returned to Idaho and Vern and Rae started a dairy farm. They retired in 1989 and enjoyed traveling in their 5th wheeler, spending time at their cabin in Silver Creek and helping their son Delmer at a local food bank. Vern was preceded in death by his wife Rae whom he was married to for 73 years, his parents, and two brothers Alfred and Verol. He is survived by his five children Sharon (Bob) Thurston of Meridian, ID; Earlon (Lin) of Orofino, ID; Doyle ( Marilyn) of Meridian, ID; Delmer (Denise) of Boise, ID; Joe (Kathy) of Meridian, ID; 13 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law Dessie Blades of Hooker, OK; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to all the people who have loved and helped care for him. Donations may be made to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers.