We Live in Hearts We Leave Behind~Thomas Campbell

A funeral was held Monday, April 15th, 2002, for 76-year-old Matthew Edward Blanford of Ste. Genevieve, who died Saturday, April 13th at his home.

He was born September 4th, 1925 in Ste. Genevieve, the son of Edward J. Blanford and Matilda Mary Drury who both preceded him in death.

He married Mary Ellen Claussen on May 10th, 1947 in St. Charles.

A daughter, Vicki Sue Bauman of Ste. Genevieve, survives him.

A brother, Vincent Blanford of Ste. Genevieve and two sisters, Edna Blanford Conley of Marietta, Georgia and Dollie Blanford Okenfuss of Ste. Genevieve, also survive him.

Four grandchildren and two great grandchildren also survive.

A son, Eddie Matthew Blanford, two brothers, Cecil Blanford and Clarence Blanford and one sister, Margaret Blanford LaMastus, also preceded him in death.

He was a mate on the dredge boats Kennedy and Ste. Genevieve for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

He was a member of American Legion Post 150, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2210, Elks Lodge and National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

A funeral for 76-year-old Matthew Edward Blanford of Ste. Genevieve was held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 15th at the Wood Family Funeral Home. Burial with military honors followed at the Valle Spring Cemetery. The Rev. Deacon George Wood officiated.

Memorials may be made to HospiceCare.