CHARLES BLAND

DEXTER, Mo. -- Charles "Seed" Bland, 87, of Dexter died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, at Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter.

He was born on March 15, 1913, at Dexter, son of Josh and Ethel White Bland.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter. He was city collector of Dexter from 1963 to 1986. He was a Dexter sports enthusiast and was involved with Little League baseball and various Dexter High School athletic programs.

The Dexter High School football field is named in his honor, as is an annual award that recognizes the most valuable player on the football team. He was the voice of the Bearcats for many years as the field announcer at home football games.

He and Ruth Barton were married June 7, 1936, at Dallas, Texas. She died Sept. 15, 1994.

Survivors include two sons, Charles Lyle Bland of Fulton, Mo., and Jim Bland of Dexter; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister.

Friends may call at Rainey Funeral Home in Dexter from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral chapel, with the Rev. Wayne Dismuke officiating. Burial will be in Dexter Cemetery.