John Blakley

John Blakley, age 90, of Larwill, IN, passed away at 4:24 am on Tuesday April 8, 2025, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. Born on January 18, 1935, in Butler, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Robert W. and Bessie J. (Sarver) Blakley. John attended Butler High School, Butler, PA, and graduated with the Class of 1952. He then attended Indiana Tech, where he earned an Aeronautical Engineering Degree. On May 21, 1955, John married Martha E. Wood at Westfield Presbyterian Church, after having met on a blind date in July of 1954. They lived in Fort Wayne from 1952-1959, before moving to New Haven until 1993, when they moved again to Larwill. In 1971 John and Martha established and were co-owners of Forest Ridge Park Family Campground and General Store. John worked as a Section Manager in Electronic Warfare at Magnavox Corporation, Fort Wayne for 30 years until his retirement in 1991. John attended New Hope Wesleyan Church, Columbia City. He enjoyed golfing and was an avid I.U. Basketball and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Survivors include his children, Tobie (Carla) Blakley and Julie (Mike) Shoda, both of Columbia City, Eric (Julie) Blakley of Whitestown, IN, and Andy (April) Blakley of Zionsville, IN; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marty; parents, Robert and Bessie Blakley; siblings, Olive Carver, Margaret Sanders, and Daniel Blakley; grandchildren, Whitney Shoda and Tyler Yoder; great-grandson, Colten Graves. Friends may call on Friday April 11, 2025, from 2:00-7:00 pm at DeMoney Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service for John will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday April 12, 2025, at the funeral home, with calling one hour prior to service. Entombment in Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. Memorial contributions in memory of John may be made to Indiana Tech, or New Hope Wesleyan Church. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the online guest register. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John, please visit our Tree Store.