John Nelson Blades, Sr.

John Nelson Blades, Sr. of Seaford, Delaware died peacefully at his daughter’s home on September 29, 2009. He was 76 years old. Born in Bethlehem, MD on June 30, 1933, he was the son of the late, George N. Blades and Mary Blades Pritchard. Mr. Blades attended Preston School through the eighth grade and graduated from Easton High School in 1952. He was employed by Waverly Press in Easton in 1952 and continued working there until 1987, when he retired. Mr. Blades had become a well-known carver of waterfowl and birds and derived his livelihood from this profession until the time of his death. His carvings sold all over the United States and also in Europe and Japan. The Japanese were especially fond of his work. He began carving by studying with Ed and Esther Burns of Bozman, and later with world champion carver, Mr. Jim Sprankle. Mr. Paul Marshall of Smith Island, a personal friend, also had a great deal of influence on his work. Mr. Blades was an exhibitor at the Waterfowl Festival in Easton for many years and enjoyed it very much. He was a member of the Concord United Methodist Church, The Academy of the Arts, The Ward Foundation, the National Wildlife Federation, the National Woodcarvers Association and Ducks Unlimited. Mr. Blades is survived by two sons, David N. Lankford of Trappe, MD, and John “Jack” Blades, Jr. of Lovettsville, VA; three daughters, Kathryn “Kat” Mitchell of Denton, MD, Dixie Blades of Easton, MD, and Bettse Dodge of Greensboro, MD; one brother, Mark Blades, of Florida; two sisters, Marion Eaton of Preston, MD, and Jean Chance of Denton, MD; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His wife, Janice Betts Blades preceded him in death in 1991. His brother, Charles also preceded him in death in 2007. Visitation will be at Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A. in Easton, MD on Sunday, October 4, 2009 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. with services to follow on Monday, October 5 at 2:00 p.m. Burial immediately following at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers, P.O. Box 2950 Easton, MD 21601 (eastondaycare.org) and/or the Academy Art Museum, 106 South Street Easton, MD 21601 in John’s name in honor of his love for children and his art.

John Nelson Blades, Sr.

June 30, 1933 - September 29, 2009