Age: 98
BLAKELY, Lyle F.
Paw Paw
Lyonal (Lyle) Frederick Blakely, age 98, was born September 29, 1916 to Versil .L and Coral (Light) Blakely. He slipped away from this life on March 22, 2015 at Bronson Hospital with members of his family present. He lived his entire life in southwest Michigan, working many jobs to support his large family. He spent the last part of his working career with the United States Post Office in Kalamazoo. In 1937 he was united in marriage with Mildred Hawes-Nelson. He is survived by daughter Ann (George) Scholl; sons Terrence (Ann) Blakely; Charles (Chris) Blakely; Vernon (Shannon) Blakely and Ronald (Denise) Blakely plus many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Lyle was a fan of NASCAR and life-long supporter of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions. His large family was important to him and he enjoyed pictures, letters and visits from the ever expanding family groups. His wife Mildred died in an auto accident in August of 1955, leaving him with seven children ages 8 months to 17 years of age. For nearly 60 years he remained a widower, saying "She was the best wife that ever was and I don't need another". Besides his wife he was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother Esther Blakely; his sister Dorothy Welch and two daughters: Jeanene (Chester) Rosewarne and Coral (Charles Miller) Jackson. Grateful thanks to the staff at Bronson Hospital for their care and compassion to not only Lyle but the whole family, also to Adams Funeral home. Dad and Grandpa Lyle will be missed. Memorial donations can be made in Lyle's name to, SPCA of Southwest Michigan, 6955 West "KL" Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 18th, 11 a.m. at Mount Ever-Rest Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel in Kalamazoo on Westnedge Avenue. Arrangements are by the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw.