Blake Paul Gladden, 33, of Groves, passed away Monday, January 24, 2011 at Christus Hospital St. Mary in Port Arthur after a seven month battle with cancer.

   Blake was born August 23, 1977 in Port Arthur to Johnny Gladden and the late Colleen Philpott, and lived all of his life in the Groves area. He was employed as a welder in the construction industry.

   A gathering of Blake’s family and friends will be from 5 to 7 PM Thursday with a prayer service to start at 7:00 PM with Pastor Kennedy Andrews officiating, at Melancon’s Funeral Home 1605 Avenue H, in Nederland.

   Blake was preceded in death by mother, Colleen Philpott Hanicak. Also his grandparents, Johnny Gladden Sr. and his wife Jerry, and Raymond Philpott. He is survived by his father, Johnny Gladden Jr. and his wife Darlene of Groves; grandmother, Dena Philpott of Port Arthur; sister Brandi Thurston and her husband Chris of Port Neches; aunts and uncles, Brenda and Steve Wendle of Plano, and Mike and Renee Gladden of Groves; nieces and nephew, Karington, Kamryn, and Kase Thurston of Port Neches; step father, Bobby Hanicak, also a host of cousins.

   Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer society.

   Details and online guest registry available at

HeritageFuneralHome.org.