December 2, 1938 ~ December 11, 2014
Phillip Royce Blakesley, Sr. passed away peacefully December 11, 2014
in Bartlesville, OK surrounded by his loving family. He was born in
Anthony, KS on December 2, 1938. He was the son of Phillip Franklin
Blakesley and Pansy (Perkins) Blakesley.
Royce was a family man and avid storyteller. He spent many years as an
Aircraft Mechanic and later became a Mechanics Instructor. Through his
career, he and his wife, Rita, were able to travel the world.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He always
had time to spare for the questions of young minds and used every
opportunity he had to teach. He spent much of his time on earth
doting on his children and grandchildren, his nieces and nephews, and
especially his loving wife, Rita.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Pansy Blakesley,
children, Phillip Royce Blakesley, Jr. and Jefferson Lee Blakesley,
and sister, Opal Anita (Blakesley) Goodson.
Royce is survived by his wife, Rita Jean (Dunbar) Blakesley,
daughter-in-law, Colleen Angela (Wooley) Blakesley; grandchildren, Ashley
Danielle (Blakesley) Laughlin, Phillip Dale Blakesley, James Robert
Land and Dylan Arthur Young; great grandchildren, Thomas Phillip
Laughlin, Michaela Rose Blakesley and Leilani Kathleen Land and
brothers Elston Blakesley and Jerry Blakesley.
Memorials may be given in memory of Royce to the South Haven Senior Center, South Haven, Kansas.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 2014 at the Schaeffer Mortuary Chapel, Caldwell. Interment will be in the Caldwell City Cemetery, Caldwell, Kansas.
An additional memorial service, for those unable to make the journey to Kansas, will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, December 15, 2014 at Bartlesville Health and Rehab Services in Bartlesville, OK.
Leave Condolences
Condolences
We have many memories. and
Family and Friends - 12/12/2014
We have many memories. and you will be missed.
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Bill and Marilyn Ervin
Family and Friends - 12/13/2014
Condolences from SHHS class of '57 classmates.
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The David Bekemeyer Family
Family and Friends - 12/15/2014
Please accept our heartfelt love for your family during this difficult time. Royce and Rita were two of the sweetest people we have had the privilege of knowing. We were blessed and lucky to have them in our lives.
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Kathy Michaelson
Family and Friends - 12/16/2014
We all lost a good man when he left. He will be missed very much.
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Elston and Arminta Blakesley
Family and Friends - 12/16/2014
Royce you were a good brother and one to ride the River with. I will miss you more that I can ever express. Happy trails to you and the good lord has sent you (Rita) your Partner, Wife and Friend just 2 days after he took you to be with him. You and Rita had 57 good years together and now you will be together forever.
All our Love to Both You and Rita.
Elston and Arminta
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Henrietta M. (Holman) Shingleton
Family and Friends - 12/20/2014
How dear friends, Royce & Rita, became to me over the years. Now my heart is saddened as I learned of their passing... yet I am very happy for them knowing the love they shared & how gracious & considerate they always showed in caring for others. Royce was full of happiness with Rita & he made both of us laugh a lot even when we were nervous, anxious, & somewhat scared of what was in front of us as we entered high school. Royce took my friend away, but I soon came to know their love was true & they continued to spend most of their lives together , responding to life in ways that showed their appreciation for the family & each other. They loved to laugh together & try new ways to outwit each other in humor. My blessing definitely includes knowing both Royce & Rita "as we agree", he said, repeatedly until we finally laughed. God loves you & so do I. Thank you for your goodness, cheer, joy, & loving friendship. Oh, and Royce, you said you'd be my big brother, but I said NOT, until I laughed some more & you chased me all the way aroung outside of my house. My dad said he'd never seen you or me run so fast! The times you spent at our house was good in my memories... and now I think you could be my 'big brother'... even if you didn't grow taller than me. :) I think we could laugh more even in our dreams. GOD BLESS ALWAYS, TO YOU & YOURS. Your family, grandchildren & all must know how special you were. I was lucky & knew that a looong time ago, too.
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Judy McGregor Hill
Family and Friends - 12/23/2014
Royce eloped with my high school friend, Rita, and she was so young. But Royce treated her like a princess, always cherishing her, and it was a beautiful marriage to watch through many years. They became friends with my parents, and brought so much joy, and many good memories to their lives too. Well done, my friend.
