White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Robert Dean Blakesley, 91, of Independence, died peacefully at the Buchanan County Health Facility on September 21, 2014.  He was born on January 31, 1923, in Iowa City, the son of Dora Elvira and Raymond Dalby Blakesley.  The family moved to Anamosa where he graduated from high school.

He worked in the dry cleaning business in several eastern Iowa plants, finally moving from Cedar Rapids to Independence.  He purchased a dry cleaning plant which he operated for 34 years.

Bob was inducted into the Army Air Corps in 1941.  He served three years during which time he flew fifty combat missions.  He was discharged as a T/SGT and presented with the Air Medal and a Purple Heart.

While in the service, he married Phyllis Leacox in Cedar Rapids.  They had two children, Mary Beth (Dolph) Leytze of Independence and Bill (Pat) Blakesley of Manchester, 7 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.

Bob was very civic minded.  He served as a city council member and served four terms as mayor.  He took great pride in what was accomplished during his administration – a new water system and waste treatment plant, a new airport, and new paved streets.

Bob was Jaycee President, a longtime member of the Lions Club, Citizen of the year in 1977, co-organizer of the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Club, President of Community Housing, Inc., and a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W.  He was a member of the Wapsipinicon Golf Club and the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as deacon and elder.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, his parents, his brother, Hal, and his two sisters, Doris and Nancy.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He led a life centered on his family and provided many good times for them and his friends.

A private family service is being held.  In lieu of flowers, consideration of memorials may be made to Camp Courageous of Iowa or the First Presbyterian Church of Independence.