John Melvin Blade (78) of Hidalgo

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Published on October 2 2016 4:21 pm

John Melvin Blade, 78, of Hidalgo, IL passed away at 3:46 pm on Saturday October 1, 2016 at the Cumberland Rehab and Health Care in Greenup, IL.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, October 6 at the Hidalgo Independent Christian Church. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday evening at the Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup, IL. Burial will be in the Aten Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Hope Food Pantry.

Online condolences can be expressed by clicking here.

Mel was born on March 17, 1938 in Cumberland County to John and Edna (Torbit) Blade.

He is survived by his children Melinda A. Blade of Hidalgo, Janet E. Blade (Kelley Steed) of Felton, DE, Sean Michael Blade (Eric DeJuan Nemons) of Miami, FL, John Melvin Blade III (Amorena) of Lexington Park, MD; grandchildren David Kelly Blade Jr., Chauney Tyler Blade, Taylor Alois Steed, Trinity June Steed, Makayla Leslie Steed; great grandchild Tilly Jean Blade; brother Donald (Karen) Blade of Greenup.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son David Kelly Blade, Sr., brother Olin Blade and sister-in-law Mickey Blade.

Mel owned and operated Hidalgo Grain for 25 years. He then worked at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department until his retirement. Mel enjoyed coaching and refereeing. He was the Lincoln Trail Softball Head Coach from 1980-1981.