Gary D. Bladen, Sr.

Gary Deliance Bladen was born on December 15, 1964, to Bobbie Gene Bladen and Wilbert Baker.  He was a graduate of Centerville High School, Class of 1983.  Gary was a long-time caretaker of many local churches and cemeteries.  He was employed by Madisonville C.I.S.D. for many years and want on to Centerville I.S.D. where he upheld many duties, such as transportation director, maintenance technician and was a longstanding bus driver to many children, from which he retired.  Gary also held a position as a Boy Scout Troop Leader to Troop 6222 of Leon County.  He became a member of Ebeneezer Baptist Church at an early age where he also took on the roll of an ordained Deacon, as well as Sunday school teacher for many years until his health failed him.  Gary enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as watching Sunday football with his son-in-law, Jason.  He will be greatly missed by all.

Gary passed away August 14, 2026, in Bryan, Texas  He was preceded in death by his late wife, Annie Bladen; grandparents, Alson and Beatrice Bladen; and father Clifton Bowens.  Surviving family members are his mother, Bobbie Bowens of Dallas; wife, Sharon Bladen of Centerville; son, Gary Bladen Jr. (wife, Brittney) of Buffalo; daughter, Jeanette Ford (husband, Jason) of Centerville; son, Ryan Irwin (wife, Karyn) of Tacoma Washington; son, Randall Roberts of Tacoma, Washington; and sister, Andrea Bowens of Dallas.  Gary is also survived by his grandchildren, Andre' Bartley, Cameron Williams, Gavin Ford, Ashlyn Williams, Levi Bladen, Lena Bladen, Lillianna Myers-Irwin, and Alaric Myers-Irwin; great-grandchildren, Khaidyn Jurode and Khaliana Jurode; special niece and nephew, Lakita Proctor and Ethridge Brooks, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A homegoing service celebrating Gary's life will be held 2 P.M., Saturday, August 22, 2026, at LIFEChurch, Leona, Texas.  Interment will follow in Ward Cemetery. A visitation is scheduled from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Ebeneezer Baptist Church, Centerville, Texas. 

Active Pallbearers:  Andre' Bartley, Cameron Williams, Joshua Proctor, Gavin Ford, Arthur "Brill" Proctor, Ethridge Brooks

Honorary Pallbearers:  Khaidyn Jurode, Levi J. Bladen, Carl Johnson, Tim Holley, Arthur Proctor, Nathan Gilbert

Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas is entrusted with arrangements -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.