Thomas "Dick" Bledsoe

He was born March 16, 1954 in Sikeston, MO to William D. and Dorothy “Cleo” Crews. He married Alice F. Schmidt on October 12, 1986 in Bartonville. She survives.

Also surviving are brother and sister-in-law Wayne (Lavonne) Schmidt of Savoy, IL; one uncle and aunt Hollis (Rose) Bledsoe of Avoca, IA; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by one infant sister, parents, grandparents, and an uncle.

He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, reading, old time radio and his three dogs, Gunner, Molly and Fargo.

Dick attended Florida College in Temple Terrace, FL, Illinois Central College, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in History from Bradley University.

Dick worked at Royal Publishing from 1984 to 1986. He also worked various other sales jobs retiring in 1996.

He was a member and served on the Board of Directors of Peoriarea Blind People Center, Board of Directors of Mary Bryant Home for the Blind in Springfield, Board of Directors of Radio Information Service in Peoria, former president and served on the Board of Directors of Illinois Council of the Blind, and served on the committee of the Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center in East Peoria. He was currently serving on the Board of Directors for Horizons for the Blind Inc. in Crystal Lake, IL and Treasurer of Illinois Social Club.

Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M., Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Rick Liggin will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 P.M., Tuesday at the Chapel and one hour prior to services on Wednesday. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Illinois Council of the Blind P.O. Box 1336 Springfield, IL 62705 or Horizons for the Blind Inc. 125 Erick St. A103 Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.davison-fulton\bartonvillechapel.com.