Walter A. Blakley

Walter A. Blakley, 87, of Connersville, died Thursday morning, June 21, 2012, at his residence. Walter was a native of Malden, Missouri, born March 20, 1925 to Fred and Elsie Johnson Blakley. He attended Bicknell High School and was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1943. Walter was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal with Bronze Battle Star in recognition of his service with the 845th Ordinance Depot Company during the Iwo Jima Campaign. For over 36 years, he was employed as a press operator at Stant Manufacturing, retiring in 1989. Walter was a charter member of the Connersville Baptist Temple where he had served as trustee and sang tenor in the choir. He was a former member of Calvary Baptist Church and a current member of the AMVETS and American Legion. Walter was an active member of the Warren Lodge #15, F.& A.M. and the Order of the Eastern Star #346. He served as chaplain of the O.E.S. for several years and had been a member of the former O.E.S. Grand Choir. Walter is survived by his wife, the former Jean Bowles Hunter, whom he married April 26, 1968 in Connersville; three children: Gary L Blakley of Connersville; Beth Ann Blakley of Richmond; Fred Hunter and his wife, Angie of Connersville; grandchildren: Sowesa, Amber, Jeremy and Audra; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by three infant siblings; two sisters: Nellie Sampson and Ruth Blakley; three brothers: Lee Brand, James Earl Blakley and Roy E. Blakley. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Pastor Tim Billups and Eric Hopkins officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Brookville, with military honors conducted by American Legion Post 77 Color Guard and Firing Squad. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 11 to 1 p.m. Monday where memorial contributions may be made to the Connersville Baptist Temple. Memorial masonic services conducted by Warren Lodge #15, F.& A.M. will begin the services. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com