He was born in Edgerton,Kansas to Golder and Mabel Rohe Blakeman. He was married on June 27, 1976 in Williston, North Dakota, to Marilyn Carlson, who survives at the home. Other survivors include a son, John Blakeman, of Simi Valley, Ca.; one daughter, Jill Foss, of Solvang, Ca.; one step-son, Kevin Kreisa, of Cincinnati, Oh.; two grandchldren; one brother, Carroll Blakeman of Ottawa, Ks.; two sisters, Ruby Coday, of Osage City, Ks.; and Lavone Mann, of Des Moines, Ia. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Lohman. Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, or the American Heart Association. He was a retired Lt. Col. from the Marine Corps. Having served at the end of W.W. II, the Korean War, and two tours of duty in Vietnam. Receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, 2 Single Mission Air Medals, 35 Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V", and 2 Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He was a graduate of Gardner Kansas High School.