Ray C. Blakely

August 4, 2014

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Ray C. Blakely 94 of Frankfort, IN, passed away August 5, 2014 at Wesley Manor in Frankfort. He was born February 26, 1920 in Bloomington IN to Raymond & Adelia (Grant) Blakely
and married Nancy Dilks on April 18, 1946 in Richmond, who survives. Mr. Blakely was a Bloomington High School graduate, a 1942 graduate of Indiana University and did his masters work at New York University. A veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corp, he served from June 5, 1942 to November 19, 1945, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. Ray moved to Frankfort in 1957. He managed and then purchased Adler’s clothing store, changed the name to Adler-Blakely’s and then Blakely’s Women and Children Clothing Store in Frankfort, retiring in 1985. Memberships included the First Christian Church in Frankfort, Frankfort Rotary and its Babe Ruth Baseball Program, Active member of the Frankfort Country Club and helped to build the pool, Downtown Merchants Association, Frankfort Main Street, Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters in Bloomington, served on the committee to build Wesley Manor, helped to organize the Frankfort Hot Dog Festival. Ray served on the IU Alumni Association Executive Council for 2 terms. He and Nancy enjoyed world travel, playing golf and their grandchildren.

Visitation and Services

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 16, 2014 at the Goodwin Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from Noon until the time of service. Burial will take place at Green Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Ray’s memory to the Wesley Manor Good Samaritan fund, Frankfort First Christian Church, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be left at goodwinfuneralhome.com

Survived by:

Wife: Nancy Blakely of Frankfort 2 Daughters: Martha Blakely Maus of Denver, CO Tacy Blakely of Indianapolis 2 Grandsons: John Blakely “Blake” Swinehart of Chicago Cole Swinehart-Steamboat, CO 1 Granddaughter: Sari Swinehart of Indianapolis

Condolences

19 Condolences for “Ray C. Blakely”

  1. Linda (Shepherd) Schendel August 6, 2014 at 12:10 pm

    My sincerest condolences to the family. I have such fond memories of Mr. Blakely and his store — he gave me my first “charge account” when I was a teenager and was always so kind and thoughtful to his customers. He was the perfect gentleman always.

  2. Sue Marshall Wright August 6, 2014 at 5:24 pm

    My thoughts and prayers to you and the family. Many fond memories of shopping there and your kindnesses.

  3. Fred Heavilon, Jr. August 6, 2014 at 6:06 pm

    Mr. Blakely was a great gentleman that will be missed by many. May the fond memories of him help his family and friends in this difficult time.

  4. Eric L. Mundell August 6, 2014 at 6:12 pm

    A Frankfort legend! The city would not have achieved as much as it did without Ray (and Nancy) being so active and engaged in the community. What a wonderful man–and couple. A life exceedingly well lived. Sending comforting thoughts to Nancy, Martha, and Tacy. The hearts of Frankfort and Clinton County share your loss.

  5. Marilyn Kibler August 7, 2014 at 12:04 am

    Jack and I had the honor of knowing Ray and Nancy during our beautiful years in Frankfort, IN. What a gentle man he was! He was always ready with a smile and a story. God bless you, Ray, and give Nancy and family peace. Jack and Marilyn Kibler

  6. Greg Finch August 7, 2014 at 2:23 pm

    As a member of America’s ‘Greatest Generation’, Mr. Blakely lived his beliefs in faith, family and friends—and in Frankfort. God bless him and his family.

  7. Martha Vansickle/Wingate August 7, 2014 at 8:13 pm

    So sad for you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  8. Kambeitz Family August 8, 2014 at 5:29 pm

    The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the battered-down in spirit. He hath swallowed up death for ever; and the Lord will wipe away tears from off all faces.
    Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life. The righteous shall inherit the earth, and dwell therein for ever, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace
    Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 25:8; John 5:28,29; Psalm 37:11,29

  9. Rich & Doris Holmes August 9, 2014 at 7:29 pm

    We had the honor of knowing Ray for many years. Will always remember our Sunday lunches at the Country Club with Ray, Nancy, Perry, and Elsie Ann Lewis. Ray loved deserts, and was always trying to get that second desert. He always had lots of stories to tell us all. He will certainly be missed. Our prayers go to his family.

  10. Chuck Smith August 11, 2014 at 5:15 am

    Nancy,
    I have many fond memories of Ray – sorry to learn of his passing.
    Chuck

  11. Jane & Chris Carter August 11, 2014 at 12:53 pm

    Martha, we were so sad to hear about your dad. We are unable to come to the visitation on Sat. but please know that you are in our prayers. Your dad left a mark on Frankfort that will forever be a happy memory. Blakely’s was a fun place to shop as a kid. So sorry we can’t see you this weekend.

  12. Anne Lahl August 11, 2014 at 6:34 pm

    Blake,
    I am so sorry to hear about your father’s passing, but what an amazing life he lived. He leaves as his legacy many wonderful memories! He and your mother were truly icons in the community! We are praying for your family, and please know I will be sending love and prayers for comfort and peace this Saturday.

  13. Janet Applegate August 12, 2014 at 12:44 pm

    What a great man! I can’t think of Ray without smiling. I appreciate all he did for Frankfort. I will always remember the last minute trips to Blakely’s on Christmas eve, and the smiles that helped us. We loved running into the family at the Country Club, and he always made my Mom smile. He will be missed.

  14. Melissa Derrick Martin August 12, 2014 at 3:03 pm

    Dear Martha and Tacy,
    I don’t remember your dad being anything but upbeat. He was one of most friendly people I have ever known. We were all lucky little girls to have such sweet, loving daddies. Your father was sure proud of you two! My sympathies to your sweet mother and all of you. I will be thinking of you on Saturday.
    Love,
    Melis

  15. David Richards August 15, 2014 at 12:37 am

    When I first met my Uncle Ray 65 years ago I was 3 years old. I had never met anyone like him. I still haven’t. Spending time with Ray could be exhausting, but it was never dull. I have so many good memories of Ray over the years and I will treasure them always. I’ll miss Ray, but I will never forget him. I know Tacy and Martha will miss him, but I know they have so many great memories of a wonderful person and a great father. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. I will be thinking of Martha, Tacy, and my aunt Nancy during this difficult time.

  16. Priscilla Hardesty Holder August 15, 2014 at 11:53 pm

    Martha, Tacy and Nancy, My thoughts have been with you this past week. I remember the many family get togethers we spent together, including Christmas Eve, and summer picnics. Your dad I remember asked you about what you were doing and was genuinely interest in what others were doing. He never met a stranger and did so much for the city of Frankfort.

    Will see you tomorrow.

  17. John and Connie Milholland August 16, 2014 at 6:07 pm

    Dear Nancy, Martha and Tacy,

    Ray was one of a kind. He always had a smile, was positive, and had a big impact on this community. The building may be “Arni’s” now, but can’t walk in there without thinking about the Blakely years. May beautiful memories bring you all comfort and peace at this very sad time. We will keep you in our prayers.

  18. Dave and Lonette (Shuler) Parker August 18, 2014 at 5:24 am

    So sorry for your loss. Ray was a wonderful and caring man. He will be remembered and missed by so many. I remember playing at your house, when I was growing up, and always remembered his kindness and humor. He helped our community in so many ways. He was a man with a vision. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  19. Kathy & Ty McDaniel August 22, 2014 at 2:44 am

    Tacy – I was sad to hear about your dad’s passing. As so many have mentioned, he was such a friendly, funny, caring person, always a pleasure to be around. May all the good times be the memories to help you heal. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

    XO, Kerzie & Ty

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