Sgt. Major Harold L. E. Blase, US Army, Retired

Harold Louis Edward Blase, died peacefully at his home in Fort Worth on February 13, 2015. He was born September 29, 1923 on a farm southeast of Sylvan Grove, Kansas, to William and Emma (nee Meyer) Blase. The family moved to Illinois where Harold attended school, graduating from Edwardsville High School. Harold began his military career in 1941. He served in World War II, The Korean War, and The Vietnam War. One of his favorite accomplishments in his 27 years with the Army was starting the Sunday School program in New Ulm, Germany in 1961. He finished his Army career as Sgt Major with the ROTC program at Washington University, St. Louis. Harold had many adventures in his life and saw many countries. He received his BS in Accounting from Washington University in St.Louis, 1971. Harold is survived by the love of his life, Evelyn Eileen Blase. They married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hamel, IL on December 25, 1952 and recently celebrated their 62nd anniversary. He also is survived by their four children: Rodney Blase from Liberty, MO; Ed Blase and Patty Blase Homer Opert from Fort Worth, TX; Bill Blase and spouse Beverly from Round Rock, TX. Seven grandchildren, Sara Homer Booth, and Shelley Homer from Dallas, TX; Lindsey Blase-Brown and spouse Matt Brown, Michael Blase, and Ben Blase from Round Rock, Tx; Stacia Blase, and Troy Blase from Kansas City, MO. Three great grandchildren: Jacob Homer, Braden Booth, and Hannah Brown. Also survived by brothers: Wally Blase and wife Joey from Sun City, Arizona; Richard Blase from Lee Summit, Missouri. Sisters: Dorothy Wagner from Nashville, Illinois; and Kathy Shelton and spouse Jim, from Plano, Texas; and sister-in-laws Charlotte Blase from Vernon, Illinois and Elfrieda Blase from Collinsville, Illinois. In addition, many numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and loving friends. Harold was preceded in death by two of his brothers, Melvin Blase and William Blase, both of Illinois. Harold enjoyed many hobbies in his 91 years, everything from flying planes, to working in his garden, square dancing, volunteering as a fireman, helping at local hospitals and schools, and traveling with Eileen. In these later years, his love of computer games, card games, reading books and curling up for a good movie with Eileen were the special evenings. Closest to his heart, was his love for the Lord. The Blase’s were very active at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hamel, Illinois, St. Johns Lutheran in San Benito, Texas, Good Sheppard Lutheran in Azle, Texas and Messiah Lutheran in Keller, Texas. Visitation will be on Tuesday February 17, 2015 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Biggers Funeral Home, Lake Worth Texas. Local arrangements are being handled by Dauderman Mortuary in Hamel, IL. Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, February 20, 2015, at Dauderman Mortuary in Hamel, IL and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Hamel, IL. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2015, at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Hamel, IL., with Rev. William Gleason, Assistant Pastor, officiating. Interment will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Hamel, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church (for Lutheran Braille Workers).

Sgt. Major Harold L. E. Blase, US Army, Retired

September 29, 1923 - February 13, 2015