Dave L. Blakeburn

Dave L. Blakeburn, age 77, of Muskogee died peacefully at his home on Wednesday morning, September 16, 2009. He was born on August 20, 1932, in Oklahoma City to Walter and Louise (Shelley) Blakeburn.He attended Oklahoma City public schools, graduating from Classen High School in 1951. He received a BS in Accounting in 1955 and an LLB in 1959 from the University of Oklahoma. While at OU he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, Army ROTC, and during his senior year he was editor of the yearbook.Dave and Mary Jo Luthi were united in marriage on March 7, 1959, in Gage, OK. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with their children and grandchildren this spring.In 1960 he began work for First National Bank of Oklahoma City as house counsel. In 1969 Dave was employed by Commercial Bank in Muskogee to establish a trust department, which he managed until his retirement in 1994. Following retirement, he felt that he was called to continue using his skills as a gift to others by guiding and advising people in estate planning.Dave was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church for 40 years, serving Christ there in many capacities of lay leadership. His greatest joy was teaching Sunday School for preschoolers, 5th and 6th graders, and adults. He made many trips to Mexico with Volunteers in Mission to build houses, schools, and hospitals. He served at the Muskogee district level and at the Oklahoma Conference level as a Trustee and on the United Methodist Foundation Board. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Good Shepherd Health Clinic in Muskogee.Dave was a member of many civic organizations, such as the Muskogee Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry, Kate Frank Manor Board, Muskogee Regional Medical Center Board, Muskogee Port Authority, and the American Red Cross Board. During his life, Dave donated over 16 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross. He served as an advisory director for the Citizens National Bank of Poteau. Dave was especially active in Boy Scouts, where he achieved the rank of Life as a young man. As an adult, he served in many capacities including Troop Committee Chairman, coordinator of special events, and District Chairman. He received the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver. He continued to support Scouting through the 2009 Friends of Scouting fundraising campaign.Dave was discharged from the US Army Reserves in 1962 as a Captain following his second tour of active duty.He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Mary Jo of the home; son Lowry Blakeburn and his wife Rebecca, and grandchildren Kyle, Lauren, and Brad of Ponca City, OK; son Robert Blakeburn, MD and his wife Kristin and grandchildren Christopher, Jason, Matthew, and Chelsea of Clinton, OK; brother T. Van Blakeburn of Luther, OK, niece Lorri Stephens and her husband Roger, and their son Van of Luther, OK; brother-in-law Bob Luthi and his wife Vonalee of Shattuck, OK, nieces Shirlene Nagel, Sherri Tune, Saundra Patten, Stephanie Prince and their extended families.Memorial gifts may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2130 W. Okmulgee, Muskogee, OK, 74401; the Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation, 4201 N. Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK, 73118; Boy Scouts of America, Indian Nations Council, 4295 S. Garnett Road, Tulsa, OK 74146.A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, September 21, 2009 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2130 W. Okmulgee, Muskogee, OK. The Rev. Mark Jardine, pastor, will officiate.The family has entrusted Bradley Family Funeral Service of Muskogee with the arrangements.Friends may send condolences to the family on the web page www.bradleyfuneralservice.com.