Tony Edward Bledsoe, 77, of Loogootee, Indiana went to be with his Lord and Savior at 6:54 a.m. Central time on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital, in Newburgh, Indiana.
He was born August 20, 1945 in Washington, Indiana to the late Dale & Ruby Bledsoe.
He graduated from Loogootee High School in 1963 and then attended Lincoln Christian College, Lincoln, Illinois where he met his wife, Sophie, in the spring of 1965. They were married June 3, 1966 at Pleasant Hill Christian Church rural Kansas, Illinois. She survives.
Tony’s first and greatest love was for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He dedicated his life to serving His Lord by serving others and by his leadership at Loogootee Christian Church where he was an Elder for over 40 years. He also served as a Deacon prior to his Eldership. In his earlier years at the church he and his wife were youth leaders. He was also a Sunday School teacher and taught the Senior age class for many years.
Tony spent much of his last weekend at church—Saturday morning at the Men’s Prayer Breakfast and both Sunday morning and Sunday evening in worship services where he ran the sound board.
Fishing & fixing “anything” were other joys in his life. He was known for his love of fishing and usually caught more and bigger fish than anyone else. He also loved teaching his grandchildren how to fish. Gardening was another passion.
Tony also served in the United States Marine Corps from February 28, 1968 to May 25, 1973. He spent his active duty service with H&MS-26, MAG-26 Rotary Wing Marine Corps Air Station at New River, North Carolina. He was deployed to Okinawa, Japan, Sicily & flew humanitarian missions into Tunisia.
During his military time he received the National Defense Service Medal, Letter of Commendation, Good Conduct Medal & .45 pistol sharpshooter badge. Staff Sergeant Tony Bledsoe also received a Navy Achievement Medal “for professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving as Avionics Chief in HMH 362, Detachment 1 from 16 December 1972 to 18 April 1973”.
He served as a Civil Servant at NSWC Crane beginning in 1975, retired from Civil Service and then worked as a contractor for 11 years, totaling 47 years of government service. After retirement he spent every moment he could with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Dale & Ruby Bledsoe: sister, Kathy Burks: father & mother-in-law, Bruce & Montine Taber; brothers-in-law, Tom & Jim Taber.
He is survived by his wife, Sophie; his children, Mark A. (Jennifer) Bledsoe of Cannelburg, IN, Marcia (Trey Podham) Fischer of Elizabethtown, KY, and Michael Bledsoe of Loogootee, IN. Nine grandchildren: Alexis Johnson, Jacob (Courtney) Bledsoe, Lamonte Johnson, Joe Bledsoe, Gabriel (fiancé Krista Priddy) Fischer, Sarah Bledsoe, Jonathan Fischer, Hannah Bledsoe and Lilly Bledsoe and one great-grandson, Liam David Bledsoe. And special “buddy”, his dog, Draco.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Loogootee Christian Church, Loogootee, Indiana. Burial and Military rights will follow at Goodwill Cemetery in Loogootee, Indiana.
Visitation will be at the church on Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Friday, April 21, from 9:00 a.m. to the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Loogootee Christian Church. Online condolences can be made at www.blakefuneralhomes.com
Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee, Indiana is honored to serve the family of Tony E. Bledsoe.
