Edwin Brent Bland

1943 - 2025

Edwin Brent Bland
Born: June 30, 1943
Died: November 9, 2025
Edwin "Brent" Bland, 82, of Marseilles, Illinois, passed away on November 9, 2025, in Peoria, IL surrounded by his loving family, following injuries sustained in an ATV accident.
Born June 30, 1943, in Taylor County, Kentucky, Brent was the son of Wayne and Francis (Cox) Bland. He married the love of his life, Patricia (Kennedy) Bland, and together they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and family.
Brent was a proud member of Operating Engineers Union Local 150, where he worked until his retirement in 2003. Known for his unmatched work ethic, he took great pride in his career and the friendships he built along the way.
Outside of work, Brent was avid auto racing enthusiast, first as a driver in the mid 70's then as a fan of NASCAR and dirt track racing. He was true advocate of the Democratic Party, he also loved to travel and explore new places, often sharing those adventures with family and friends. After his retirement Brent and Patricia enjoyed their winters in Florida with their follow retirees at Ole Mill Stream Retirement Community. Mr. Bland's kind and gentle soul left a mark on everyone he met-always willing to lend a helping hand, share a story, or make someone feel welcome.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia; two sons, Steve Bland of Seneca, IL, and Doug Bland of San Antonio, TX; six grandchildren, Tanner, Avri, Savanah, Logan, Eleanor, and Addison Bland; and three great-grandchildren, Braden, Arlo and Lenna. He is also survived by his brothers Weldon Bland and RW (Buck) Bland, and sisters Leona and Sharon. Brent was preceded in death by his beloved son Wade Bland (2014) and his parents, Wayne and Francis Bland.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 15th at 1:00 PM held at the Marseilles Lions Club (511 Commercial St, Marseilles, IL). Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor a life well-lived.
Brent will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family. His spirit and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, our family asks that donations be made in Brent's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - a cause that was close to his heart and one he deeply believed in.