Bill L. Blakley

Share

Bill L. Blakley, age 81, of Oquawka, Illinois passed away at 11:55 am on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at home with family at his side. Bill was born May 29, 1942, in St Joseph, Missouri, and is the son of William Oliver and Nadine Lea (Vandever) Blakley. Bill attended public school in St. Joseph, MO and graduated from Lafayette High School.  Bill received his welding degree from Hillyard Technical School in St. Joseph, Missouri. On November 19, 1960, he married Patty Vernelle Turner in St. Joseph, Missouri and she preceded him in death on May 5, 2019.

Bill was co-owner of L&B Welding in Monmouth, Illinois for several years, and retired from the Burlington Northern Railroad. He enjoyed anything outdoors; trapping, hunting, fishing, and shooting trap. 

He is survived by his two sons, Jim (Dianna) Blakley of Willow, Alaska, and Darren (Leann) Blakley of Gravois Mills, Missouri, two daughters, Crystal (Bill) Bercaw of Springfield, Illinois, and Cindy (John) Erdman of Willow City, North Dakota, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also surviving are three sisters, Connie (Dave) Ramsel of Rushville, Missouri; Barbara (Bob) Connour of Galesburg, Illinois; Gail (Danny) Zabel of Rushville, Mo. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patty, and his son-in-law Bill Bercaw.

A memorial service is planned for 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, Illinois. His family will be present to receive friends from 9:30-10:30 AM prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Rushville, Missouri at a later date.  A memorial is being established for Faith Bible Church in Oquawka, Illinois. 

Spread the word

Other Obituaries

Latest News Podcasts

Choose a Category

Continue Reading

David L. Steines

David L. Steines, 66, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away at 4:45 p.m. July 6, 2025 in his home. He was born June 22, 1959 in California, the son of Arthur

Marian L. Warden Burton

Marian L. Warden Burton, age 87, of Monmouth, Illinois passed away July 3, 2025 at 7:30 am at Arc Rehabilitation Center in Chillocothe, Illinois. Marian was born on January 6,

Lorie A. Engle

Lorie A. Engle, 61, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on July 5, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL.  She was born on June 15, 1964 in Monmouth,

Kenneth M. “KP” Pitman

Mr. Kenneth M. “KP” Pitman, 71, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 6:02 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Seminary Manor in Galesburg. He was born on January 3, 1954, in

Robert Thomas “Tom” Gilliland

Robert Thomas “Tom” Gilliland, 76, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on July 6, 2025 at the Clarissa Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, IA, surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy