Bill Blakey

Bill B. Blakey, 88, of Santa Rosa, NM was born July 10, 1919 on a ranch east of Monument, New Mexico to two pioneer families, the Blakey and Burk families who homesteaded in New Mexico before State Hood. He left this life at Guadalupe County Hospital on February 4, 2008. Bill grew up in what is now Lea County and graduated from Hobbs High School in 1937. In 1941, while attending UNM, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he served for five years. He was an aircraft maintenance technician on B-17 planes. He received the European, African and Middle Eastern Service Medals, American Defense Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Service Badge and the Bronze Star. After returning from service he returned to a ranchers life. Bill is survived by his wife Gladys, with whom he spent 61 priceless years, a sister; Geralding Chambers and her husband Kenneth of Lovington, NM, a sister in law; Lori Dunn and her husband Jim of Chattanooga, TN, a brother in law; Orrell Conner and his wife Juanetta of Hobbs, NM. Also surviving are several beloved nephews, nieces and cousins. Memorial services will be held at the Santa Rosa Methodist Church on Friday, February 8, at 10:00 AM. At Bill’s request, please no flowers. All services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home, 923 South 3rd Street, Santa Rosa, NM (575) 472-3369. For online condolences please log on to www.chavezfuneralhome.com.