David Allen Blad

David Allen Blad, 77 of Osceola, Indiana, passed away in the comfort of his home on April 29, 2026, with family by his side after bravely fighting an illness. David was born on June 15, 1948, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Melvin and Arlene (Friesner) Blad. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Diane (Blad) Doty.

Surviving are his children, Brandi (Jarrett) Griffee and David R. (Shalon) Blad, both of Elkhart; their mother, Geraldine Shindledecker and his grandchildren, Brice, Kendall (fiancé Lucas Flick), Indica, and Isla Griffee. David’s sister, Carole (David) Foutz and brother-in-law Bob Doty also survive. Many others will miss Dave, from extended family and friends to all his golfing buddies from Eberhart, Juday Creek and Morris Park.

Dave was an ordinary man that lived and extraordinary life. He was a man of simple pleasure while his life was filled with incredible experiences. An avid outdoorsman from childhood led to the game of golf. He was self-taught falling in love with the game that became a passion lasting over 50 years. His accomplishments and trophy room are full of memories from playing in countless city golf tournaments and leagues. His achievements were capped with ultimate golf milestones - carding multiple hole-in-ones, collecting bets and friendships, even playing with the great Sam Snead.

Whether Dave was out on the golf course or watching the Masters, that was his place, his peace. Golf wasn’t just something he played - he studied it, lived it, and mastered it. He was always tinkering, always thinking, always inventing – building tools and clubs to help not just himself but his friends and family. Found often in his workshop, always ready, always adjusting, always chasing that perfect swing. He didn’t just love golf, he loved sharing the game; coaching, teaching, laughing - he made it better for the people around him, friends old and new to his kids and grandkids. Those moments meant everything to him.

The outdoors were adventures Dave sought and enjoyed – the wilderness of camping, the crackle of a campfire to a spontaneous roundtrip or the stillness of the water waiting for the fish to bite; gathering with family and friends year after year became a tradition. Brower Park was his destination and happy place, where nature and good company mattered most. We can now imagine him in on an adventure even better… more lush greens, lakes full of fish, campgrounds that stretch on forever, with nothing but time and music around him.

Music – another passion he loved just as much as the outdoors. Dave was an accomplished guitarist, with a natural ability to pick out a specific guitar by sound alone. He played in a band for 10 years - Me and the Boys, once opening for the Doobie Brothers. He even found a connection to a local band, Girl Named Tom, where he once shared music alongside their grandfather. Whether he was picking a guitar or listening to his favorites; the Eagles, Alabama, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Those weren’t just artists to him, they were companions to life’s journey. There’s something fitting in those familiar lyrics… “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.” Because Dave isn’t really gone – He’s woven into every memory, every laugh, every song we hear.

Dave was also one of the smartest, most capable people you could ever meet. If something needed figuring out, Dave was the one you called. He had the mind of a craftsman, a mechanic, an engineer; a mind that could naturally figure things out, through reason, experience, and logic. If you asked for advice, you got it – thoroughly. He was known for those long-winded answers, but they came from a place of care, of wanting to truly help, always willing to pass on knowledge, guidance, and insight. People sought him out because they trusted him and because they knew he’d always be there with a helping hand.

Dave’s life was filled with incredible stories. Crossing paths with legends such as Muhammad Ali, Lou Holtz, Stephen Stills, Brad Paisley, Joe Diffie, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson. Serendipity favored Dave, but what mattered most wasn’t who he met, it was who he shared his life with.

Family – his greatest pride. He adored his kids and grandkids. Whether he coached them in golf, taught them to fish, or cheered them on at volleyball games and cheering events, he was there. Fully present. Fully proud. Dave was also surrounded by an incredible group of friends – People who stood by him, looked out for him, and shared in all the ups and downs of life. The kind of friends anyone would hope to have. That says a lot about the man he was.

While this goodbye is hard, we hold onto faith, and to the words that bring comfort. “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.” And the promise that one day, “I’ll fly away,” to a place where Dave is “fishing in the dark” for walleye. Gone fishing, see you soon.

Cremation has taken place with a time for family and friends to visit, planned for Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 2-4pm and 5:30-6:30pm, with a memorial service to begin at 6:30, at Cruz Family Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life is planned for May 29, 2026 from 3-7pm at Eberhart Golf Course.

To light a virtual candle, order flowers, share a story of David’s life, or extend a message of comfort to his family, please visit the Guestbook.