Charles D. "Don" Blakley Obituary (1921 - 2017)

Charles D. “Don” Blakley, 95 of Taylorville passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 6:29 a.m. at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. He was born on June 5, 1921 at home on the farm in Pike County, IL, the Son of James H. and Elsie (Kimball) Blakley. He married Beulah G. Staufenbiel on August 8, 1944 in Norfolk, VA. He was a veteran of WWII in the United States Navy and he later worked as a machinist at Hopper Paper Co and Georgia Pacific for 43 years. Charles enjoyed gardening, reading and woodworking. He made many beautiful pieces for his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Taylorville, IL, Son of American Revolution and VFW Post #4495. Surviving are his Wife: Beulah G. Blakley of Taylorville, IL; Daughters: Jean C. Davidson of Mattoon, IL, Lois A. (Terry) Ryan of Taylorville, IL; Son: David C. Blakley of Taylorville, IL; Grandchildren: Andrea (Dan) Bryan of Webster Groves, MO; Darcy Tavine (Fiancé Bob Hammitt) of Cantrall, IL; James W. (Whitney) Davidson of Arvada, CO; Aimee (TJ) Bates of Taylorville, IL; Thad D. Ryan (Fiancée Kayla Mager) of Fisher, IN; Great-Grandchildren: Mason, Ryan and Ella Bates of Taylorville, IL; Max Tavine of Cantrall, IL, Penelope Davidson of Arvada, CO; Nephew: James (Linda) Blakley of Taylorville, IL; Cousins: Larry (Beverly) Schultz of St. Louis, MO; Aldene Drury of Florissant, MO and many other Nieces, Nephews, great Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Sister: Marie Flemming, Brother: Everett Blakley. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville. The funeral Mass will follow the visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville with MSGR David S. Lantz officiating. Burial will be held in Rosemond Grove Cemetery in Rosamond, IL with military graveside honors. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School 422 S. Washington St. Taylorville, IL 62568 or Christian County Senior Citizens 701 W. Adams St. Taylorville, IL 62568 Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.