Merle Bledsoe's Obituary
Merle Leroy Bledsoe, 68, went home to be with his Lord on November 2nd, 2022. Merle was promoted to Heaven and was welcomed home by family and friends that had gone on before.
Merle was born September 20, 1954, a son of the late Norman Henry Bledsoe and Treva Mae Bledsoe. Merle came to know Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior in 1962 while attending the First Baptist Church, Morrisonville, Illinois. He enlisted in the US Army just after turning 17 and spent the next 30 years serving his country with distinction. He was decorated with many medals and citations for meritorious service.
Merle served in the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, NC, the 197th Infantry Brigade "Sledgehammer" at Fort Benning, GA, the 172nd Infantry Brigade "Snow Hawks" at Fort Wainwright, AK, the 1st Armored Division "Old Ironsides" in Germany. Merle eventually rose to achieve the rank of E9, serving as Sergeant Major for the 1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One" at Fort Riley, KS, and as Sergeant Major for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) "The Screaming Eagles" at Fort Campbell, KY.
Merle is survived by two sons, Merle L. Gilbert and Lewis Bledsoe; one sister, Barbara Mangold; and five brothers, Rodell Bledsoe, Vic Bledsoe, Alvin Bledsoe, Henry Bledsoe, and John Bledsoe.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at the Labby Memorial Funeral Home, 601 S. 4th St., Leesville, Louisiana 71446. Interment will follow immediately at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Leesville, Louisiana.
A time of fellowship and remembrance for all family and friends will be held at 10:00 AM prior to the service.
Visit www.LabbyMemorial.com for more information
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