Obituary of Donald Joseph Blakey

Of Mt. Morris, age 80, died peacefully after a long illness, Saturday, November 17, 2007 at the Grand Blanc Rehabilitation Care Facility. The memorial service will take place 1:00pm, Saturday, November 24, 2007 at the Miles Martin Funeral Home in Mt. Morris. Cremation has taken place. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 10:00am until the time of the service at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be considered to the Salvation Army or Carriage Town Ministries. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. \ \ Donald was born August 10, 1927 in Flint, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Elizabeth (Warner) Blakey. After graduating from Mt. Morris High School in 1945, he served in the US Navy in the Mediterranean until his honorable discharge in 1948. He and Phyllis Eaton were united in marriage in 1949. She preceded him in death October 19, 2007. He worked for GM with Buick Motors Fire Department for 38 years and served as a UAW Committee Man for several years. A few of his passions included hunting, fishing, reading, cooking, watching football and spending time with family and friends "within reason.a \ \ Donald leaves to cherish his memory 4 children: Jonathan Blakey and partner Nanci Cartwright,of Ypsilanti, Daniel and wife Donna Blakey,of East Lansing, Larry Blakey,of Mt. Morris, and Lucy and husband Jack Regis, of Clio, 7 grandchildren: Donald Blakey, Jason Blakey, Elizabeth and husband Tim Sieczka, Erin and husband Daniel Brown, Trevor Blakey, Amanda and Noah Strickler. His companion of 25 years, Dolores Petersen and her family, Jane, Jeffrey, James, John and their families, and many longtime friends and relatives. \ \ Donald was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Frances Massey and several lifelong friends.