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.
