Kennith William Blan

Colonel Kennith William Blan (USAF Retired) passed away on April 25, 2026, at the extraordinary age of 100, in Clearwater, Florida. A member of the Greatest Generation, he lived a century defined by unwavering faith, deep devotion to family, and distinguished service to his country, witnessing and overcoming some of the most pivotal moments in modern history.

Born on June 17, 1925, in Florala, Alabama, to the late Lera (née Geohagen) and William Winton Blan, Kennith came of age during a time of global uncertainty. During World War II, shortly after his marriage, he and his wife began a journey that would span continents and decades of service. From Starkville, Mississippi, to training assignments in Texas and California, he answered the call to serve, completing officer candidacy and flight training. Following V-J Day, the family returned to Detroit, where their son, Kennith Jr., was born.

In 1950, during the Korean conflict, Kennith was recalled to active duty, beginning a distinguished 25-year military career. His service took him and his family across the United States and abroad, including assignments in California, Texas, Florida, Alaska, South Carolina, Alabama, Illinois, Washington, D.C., and New Delhi, India. Through each post and every challenge, he led with strength, resilience, and an enduring sense of purpose.

After retiring from the United States Air Force, Kennith and his beloved wife of 74 years, Sara “Shirley” Blan, settled in Pinellas County in 1975, drawn by both the Florida sunshine and the closeness of extended family. Never one to remain idle, he went on to build a successful career in real estate as a broker and agent.

Kennith was a proud graduate of the University of Mississippi and the University of Michigan, reflecting a lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth. In his leisure time, he found joy on the golf course, both playing and watching the game he loved, a passion he carried with him until his final days. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion, VFW, Dadaelians, and Military Officers Association of America.

He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Lyndy Ervin Blan; grandson, Noah Blan; granddaughters, Sarah Bogen (Patrick), Stacy Conn (Stephen Ellis), Leanne Moore (William), and Holly Slater (Thomas); ten great-granddaughters and one great-grandson; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Sara “Shirley” Blan, and his son, Kennith William Blan Jr.

A visitation will be held at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, Florida, on May 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 6:00 p.m. A graveside service with military honors will take place at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513, on May 7, 2026, at 12:30 pm.