Kenneth Alton Bladen

Hagerstown, MD – Kenneth Alton Bladen, 101, of Hagerstown, MD passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024 in the hospice unit of the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV.
Kenneth was born on October 12, 1923 in Capitol Heights, MD to the late Calvin M. and Violet V. (Huntt) Bladen.
He graduated from Maryland Park High School in 1942 while an Apprentice Machinist at the Washington Yard in Washington, D.C. He then enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy for the duration of World War II, receiving an honorable discharge with Victory World War II and Good Conduct Medals. He returned to the Navy Yard as a Mechanical Draftsman in 1948. He went into the Naval Reserves a year later, serving during the Korean Conflict. Two years prior to his honorable discharge from the Reserves, he was employed as a Design Engineer with Thieblot Aircraft Co. in Bethesda, MD. Subsequently, he became a Senior Designer for guided missile launching systems of Vitro Laboratories, a subcontractor with the DoD. He retired in the early 1980's.
Kenneth enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and boating. He was also very active as an adult scout leader earning the Advanced Woodbadge Training Award. He also enjoyed learning Civil War history, and worked part-time at Antietam National Battlefield.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 77 years Edna Bladen, whom he married August 30, 1947. Edna passed 10 days previously on October 22, 2024.
Kenneth is survived by his son Gary C. Bladen (Sharon) of Hamilton, MT; son Wayne S. Bladen (Barbara) of Myersville, MD; daughter Holly V. Wallace (Brian) of Walkersville, MD; 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his brothers Calvin (Buddy) Bladen and Lloyd Bladen.
The interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online at: www.donate.cancer.org
Online condolences may be made to the family at:
www.osbornefuneralhome.net
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