Larry Lane Blades

Larry Lane Blades was called from this earth to work on a heavenly fleet of fire engines and corvettes on May 4, 2017, after a lengthy illness. He passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family at the age of 69. Born November 8, 1947, Larry spent his life fixing whatever broken thing, be it person or engine, lay before him. On the battlefields of Vietnam, Larry served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic from 1969 to 1971, where he received a Purple Heart and many other military commendations. After he returned home, he joined the Baton Rouge Fire Department in 1974 where he earned the nickname “Barb Wire” serving as the Chief Fire Apparatus Technician. Such a tough name was necessary for someone in charge of keeping the city’s fleet of fire engines running smoothly, but it was born from respect and admiration of the men working with him. Nearly 17 years after his retirement, mention of Barb Wire Blades will still pull a smile and a chuckle from BRFD veterans still riding on those engines Larry kept in tiptop shape. Larry’s first love was always his family- his brothers, wife, children and grandchildren- but his love of tinkering with old cars was a close second. He was especially fond of late 1950’s model Chevrolets and Corvettes. He left behind a love letter to the magnificent machines written over 40 years in oil and transmission fluid, packaged in a 1966 Corvette Stingray. In his final days, Larry was able to see his labor of love cruise out of the garage, completely restored to all its rumbling, purring glory. When not tinkering with his cars, Larry could be seen around the ballparks and gyms throughout the southeast, watching and cheering his children and grandchildren playing ball. He was also an accomplished fisherman, always ready to cast a line in any body of water deep enough to hide unsuspecting fish. Larry is survived by his wife of 40 years, Margaretta Sanchez Blades of Central; his daughter Courtney Rogers and her husband Chad, and their two children Britton and Barrett of Houston, TX; his son Chris Blades and his wife Elizabeth of Baton Rouge; his mother Ernestine Young Blades; his brothers Terry Dale Blades and his wife Dorothy, Clyde Gary Blades and his wife Briggette, and William Ernest Blades; his father-in-law John Percy Sanchez and his wife Julia; his sister-in-law Jynell Glaser and her husband Charles; his brother-in-law Micah Sanchez and his wife Gaynell; his sister-in-law Shawn Frey and her husband Matt; along with numerous nieces and nephews, and his car enthusiast buddies. His father, William Oscar “Sonny” Blades, Jr., and several aunts and uncles preceded him in death.

As he worked to repair others, his family rests in comfort knowing that Larry himself is now restored and cruising among the stars with his favorite companions, his beloved fur babies Rags, Penny, Greta, Winston, Pee Wee, Sassie, and Sophie. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10

Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, Saturday, May 6, 2017, from 10:00AM until time of funeral service at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made, in his name, to the Aflac Wing of Egleston Hospital, for Barrett Rogers, 1405 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322-1062, https://giving.choa.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=956. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.greenoaksfunerals.com.