Richard J. Blakely

Richard J. Blakely, age 81, of Sherwood, Arkansas, formerly of Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away at St. Vincent Hospital North in Sherwood. Richard was born March 22, 1932 in Hancock, Iowa to the late Roland and Vie (Bates) Blakely. He married Helen Welch in 1951 at Papillion, Nebraska. They were blessed with five children. Richard proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He was a carman and material inspector for the Union Pacific Railroad for 40 years, retiring in 1990. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela in 1952; granddaughter, Stacie Blakely; 5 sisters and 1 brother. Richard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen Blakely; sons, Mike (Diane) Blakely all of Sherwood, Arkansas, Philip Blakely; daughters, Patricia (Robert) Hiltabidel all of Council Bluffs, Sandra (Jim) Doane of Des Moines, Iowa; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; sister, Doris Irwin of Council Bluffs; nieces and nephews. Visitation with the family, Friday, 6-8 p.m. at Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel, Council Bluffs, Iowa. Funeral service, Saturday, 9 a.m. at the funeral home with Reverend Les Green officiating. Interment Garner Township Cemetery, Council Bluffs, with military rites tendered by American Legion Post #2. A lunch will follow at Salem United Methodist Church. The family will direct memorials. CUTLER-O'NEILL-MEYER-WOODRING-BAYLISS PARK CHAPEL, 545 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503. 712 322-7779.