William Oliver “W.O.” Blakley, 90, of St. Joseph, MO died on Sunday, July 6th, 2014 at the Missouri Veterans Home, Cameron, MO.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Thursday, July 10th, 2014 at Sugar Creek Christian Church with Rev. Keith Hoover officiating. Burial will follow in the Sugar Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to services at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

William O. was born on Aug. 27th, 1923 in Rushville, MO the son of Oliver Patton and Ruby Etta (Trosper) Blakley. He graduated from Rushville High School in May 1941. He was married to his High School sweetheart, Nadine Lea Vandever on Oct. 18, 1941. W.O. served in the United States Navy in World War II on the U.S.S Sibley in the South Pacific from 1944-1946. After returning from the war he began working for the C.B. & Q Railroad and continued to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad until retiring as Road Master in June, 1981. He was a member and 32 degree Master Mason Scottish Rites of the Charity Masonic Lodge # 331, St. Joseph, MO., former member of the Moila Shrine. He and his wife traveled all over the United States, and he enjoyed fishing, camping and woodworking.

Mr. Blakley is survived by his wife, Nadine L. Blakley, St. Joseph, MO., a son, Bill L. (Patty) Blakley, Oquawka, IL., three daughters, Connie K. (David) Ramsel, Houston, TX., Barbara D. (Bob) Connour, Galesburg, IL., and Gail A. (Danny) Zabel, Rushville, MO., Eleven Grandchildren, Fifteen Great grandchildren and one step great grandson. His parents and one sister, Bettie L. Gillis, preceded him in death.