Thomas “Tom” Kendall Blue, Jr., 90, of Owensboro, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2019 at the Heartford House, while under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. He was born January 9, 1929, in Louisville, KY to the late Thomas Kendall Blue, Sr. and Ruth Wallace Blue. Tom graduated from Owensboro High School and attended Kentucky Wesleyan College for two years before leaving Owensboro on one of several busses to join the United States Army during the time of the Korean War. He was a member of the 101st Airborne at Camp Breckinridge and was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds and then Red River Arsenal in Texarkana, Texas. Once he returned to Owensboro, he went to work for G.E. and then for the family business, Tom Blue Furniture. Tom started the antique store, The Downstairs Attic and owned Skateland and the USA Skating Rink. He was also an appraiser for the International Society of Appraisers. Tom was a collector of antiques, spent time doing art work, and was an avid UK football fan, and UK and KWC basketball fan.
Tom was a member of Yellow Creek Baptist Church for over 50 years, was a very kind man who loved life, loved other people and always enjoyed telling of his lifetime stories to his children, grandchildren and anyone else who wanted to listen. Most of all Tom enjoyed his children and grandchildren. He loved watching his grandchildren play various sports or having fun on their family farm.
He was also preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Jane Sarabeth Johnson Blue.
Tom is survived his three daughters, Karen Blue of Bartlesville, OK, Shannon Dockery Madden (David) of Lexington, SC and Sharron Dockery Beal (David) of Indianapolis, IN; a son, Thomas Kendall “Ken” Blue III (Kristi) of Owensboro; eight grandchildren, Joshua Smith, Avery Beal, Lindsey Beal, Layne (Katie) Madden, Brent (Mallory) Madden, Cody Blue, Logan Blue and Isaac “Ike” Blue; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Perry Blue; many nieces and nephews; and his caretaker for the past year, Jill Thrasher.
The funeral service for Tom Blue, Jr. will be 2 PM, Thursday, with visitation after 10 AM, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Dr. James Wedding will officiate. Interment will be at Owensboro Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to V.F.W. Post #696, 311 West Veterans Blvd Owensboro, KY 42301.
Memories and condolences for the family of Tom Blue, Jr. may be offered online at www.glenncares.com.