Bobby Blades

Bobby Neal Blades, 82 of Moberly, passed away on February 17, 2021 at his winter home in Casa Grande, AZ. Bobby, along with his wife Bonnie Blades, was a long-time resident of Moberly, MO. He and his wife also enjoyed spending their summers with family in Russellville, KY and wintering in Case Grande, AZ. Bobby was born, July 30, 1938, to Jasper Thomas Blades and Bessie Mae (Dill) Blades. Bobby lived in the Madisonville, KY area until the mid-1980s, then lived in St Louis for several years before retiring in Moberly. Throughout Bobby’s career as a millwright working on heavy mining equipment he lived in several different states and even worked in Colombia, South America for a period of time. Bobby was never afraid of an adventure and was known as one who would always take the scenic route. Whether he was searching for a hidden waterfall in the Appalachian Mountains, driving up Pike’s Peak, white water rafting down the Colorado River, or riding in the mountains of Arizona, Bobby was eager to take it all in. Even when Bobby was at home, he was busy either doing woodworking projects or working on his old truck. As a father and husband, Bobby had a full life with a blended family of 8 children, 15 grandchildren, and an ever-growing number of great grandchildren. Bobby is preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Ruth Blades; his parents; one infant brother and son-in-law, Floyd Gordon. Those surviving include his children, Debra (Ray) Kirkley, Rhonda Gordon, Annie Shields, Brian Blades, Kathy (Jim) Thornton, Eugene Durbin, Lt. Colonel (retired) Robert C. (Jeannette) Durbin and Jennifer (Jerry) Deck, as well as his numerous grand and great grandchildren. There will be a private family service at a later date. Memorial contributions in Bobby’s honor are suggested to his church, Trinity United Methodist Church, 101 S 4th St, Moberly, MO 65270. Condolences may be shared online at pathwaymemorial.com.