Chad Lee Blow

Chad Lee Blow of Topeka, Kansas died on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at his home.  He was 47.

Chad was born on August 4, 1977, in Emporia, Kansas the son of Clifford Blow and Dana Valyer.  He married Lisa Anne Blaufuss on July 22, 2016, in Olpe, Kansas.

Surviving family members include his wife, Lisa Blow of the home; daughters, Hannah, Maddy, and Evie Blow, all of home; parents, Clifford (Marcy) Blow of Burlington and Dana Valyer of Wakarusa; sisters, Christine (Kelly Presley) Rouse of Overland Park, Sheri (Matt) Burns of Perry, Bridget (Kyle) McGuire of Olathe, and Jennifer (Kevin) Colbert of Burlington, as well as 9 nieces and nephews, and 1 great-nephew.

He was preceded in death by his brother Dakota Harris.

Chad enlisted in the Air National Guard on February 1, 1997, before commissioning in February of 2010.  He served all 27 years of his career as a member of the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Topeka.  He retired at the rank of Major on February 1, 2024, last holding the position of Maintenance Operations Flight Commander.  He completed multiple deployments during his career, most recently in Iraq where he served as an Air Advisor for Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.  Notable decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, and the NATO Medal.  Chad was employed as a civilian with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Topeka as a Program Analyst and previously served as a Police Officer with the Salina Police Department.

A devoted family man and friend, Chad was known for his enormous heart, giant bear hugs, deep voice, fierce loyalty, and unselfish service to others.  He was an exceptional husband and father, completely smitten with his bride of nearly 9 years, and a consummate "girl dad" who protected and nurtured Hannah, Maddy, and Evie as they grew into beautiful young women.  When he married Lisa, he married her whole family, gaining a mother-in-law, 12 brothers- and sisters-in-law, and adding his daughters to the mix of 14 other nieces and nephews who adored "Uncle Chaddy."  Chad and Lisa had the kind of love that most people only dream of.  This world will be an emptier place without him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olpe.  The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m., Monday, April 14, 2025, at the church with the family visitation following at the Parish Life Center across the street from the church.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Wounded Warriors United or the James ("My Dude") Nunley Medical Fund in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.