Alpha Leroy Blakeman Obituary (1928 - 2019)

Alpha Leroy Blakeman, 90, of Decatur, formerly of Stonington, passed away at 9:36 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at St. Marys Hospital in Decatur. He was born on March 23, 1928 in rural Nokomis, the son of Wilbur and Mabel (Moomey) Blakeman. He married Shirley Ann Myers on March 4, 1950 in Blue Mound. She preceded him in death on October 4, 1999. Leroy served as a Sergeant in the Medical Corps of the Army Air Corps. He worked as a carpenter for several years and served as the Chief of Police in Stonington for over 20 years as well as with the Stonington Fire Department where he volunteered for 20 years and served as Fire Chief. Leroy also worked for the Stonington Coop Grain Elevator for several years. He was a member of the Stonington American Legion for 45 years where he served in many roles including Commander and was also active in the state level. For over 20 years Leroy coached and umpired summer baseball for the Stonington Park District. He is survived by his children: Karen Ann Howard of Smithboro, David L. Blakeman (Molly) of Stonington, and Jim D. Blakeman (Marsha) of Kincaid; grandchildren: Michelle Rogers (Nathan), Erinne Blakeman, Heather Taylor, Eric Blakeman (Jodi), Jason Blakeman (Tanya), Holly Bradshaw, Robert Howard (Alissa), Alan Howard (Lindsay), Heidi Click, Jon Howard (Alicia), Russell Stockon (Twilla); 18 great-grandchildren; brother: Donnie Blakeman (Mary) of Taylorville; sister: Marilyn Wattelet of Stonington; several nieces and nephews; and companion: Loretta Umfleet of Decatur. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter: Katherine Gail Stockon, son-in-law: Robert Howard; and 7 siblings. A funeral mass for Leroy will be held at 10:00a.m. on Friday, February 15, 2019 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stonington with Fr. Joe Molloy officiating. Burial will be in the Old Stonington Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 until 7p.m. on Thursday, February 14 at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville, and from 9 until 10a.m. on Friday in the church. Memorials may be left to the Stonington Fire Department or the Shriners Hosptial for Children in honor of his granddaughter Sabrina Taylor. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.