Obituary of Robert Edward Blakely

Simi Valley--Robert Edward Blakely, 80, died Sunday, June 11, 2017 peacefully at his home in Simi Valley, CA. He was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in 2014 and struggled with the autoimmune disease until his death.

He leaves his wife of 50 years, Pauline (Martinez) Blakely, his daughter, Debra Lynn Blakely; his son Robert Eugene Blakely; his three stepchildren; Marilynn Jean (Gonzalez)Berends; Mark Anthony Gonzalez; and Nancy Marie (Gonzalez) Keaton; his elder sister Jean Marie Wokal; his younger sister; Patricia Diane Tooman; his two granddaughters; Breana Nicole Blakely; Madelyn Delilah Blakely; his three step grandsons; Peter Andrew Berends; David Alexander Berends; Nicolas Segura; his three step granddaughters; Katie Suzanne (Laguna) Jones; Jessy Marie (Gonzalez) Damon;  Jennifer Elaine (Gonzalez) Gutierrez; his three step great granddaughters; Aubrey Jones; Ariah Jones; and Madelyn Sage Gutierrez. He was also survived and loved by many nieces and nephews and numerous relatives.

Robert was preceded in his death by his two step children; Patricia Ann Gonzalez in 2007; and by his step son Frank Edward Gonzalez in 2009.   

Born and raised in North Hollywood, CA, the son of Edward and Gladys Pearl (Walrad) Blakely. He attended elementary and middle school in North Hollywood. He went on to attend Canoga Park High School. He received his GED.

On May 16, 1955, he joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas. Later, he was trained as an airplane mechanic at Fairfield, CA. His last two years, he was stationed in Japan and was served with  an honorable discharge in January of 1959.

Robert really enjoyed working the outdoors. He soon found the love of being a truck driver. He once said, he never could picture himself sitting behind a desk in an office. He had a strong work ethic and was blessed enough to retire at the age of 58 from Rocketdyne Space Center in 1995.  Robert and his wife, Pauline were able to travel afar. They took a transcontinental trip, flew across the other side of the world to China, and favored going to Las Vegas, most of all, during the latter part of their retirement.

During Robert's younger years, he played a good game of golf, went scuba diving with his best friend, Bill Shackleford, whom he met during his teenage years. Later in life, as a family man, he enjoyed camping, cooking, collecting coins and special stamps, building furniture, and sharing stories of his past. He surely had a very fulfilled life.

Robert's prayers were answered. He once wished, that when God called him, he would be asleep, like that of his grandfather, and that is exactly as he went.  He was found reclined in his lazy boy chair, watching his favorite television show, looking very comfortable with his legs crossed. What a way to go...no pain, and dying with dignity. May the good Lord bless him and may he rest in peace. We will miss him greatly!! We love you very much!!!

In Loving Memory,

Robert's Family