Eugene Charles Blakesley, age 85, of Welda, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 13, 2012, at St. Luke's South Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas. He was born on December 29, 1926, in Ocean Park, California, the son of George William and Marie Rosetta (Bouquot) Blakesley. Gene grew up in Mooreland, Oklahoma. He served in in the US Navy from 1945-1947. Gene returned to Mooreland from the Navy and graduated from Mooreland High School in 1947. On May 10, 1947, Gene married Gracie Allen at Mooreland, Oklahoma. Gene would tell anyone who would listen; "She's the most beautiful woman in the world." they celebrated 65 years of devoted marriage this year. After marrying Gracie, they moved to Welda, Kansas, to pursue his career working at Cities Service Gas Company for 37 years. After retirement, he and Gracie enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and doting on his grandchildren. Gene had a green thumb and loved to garden. He was an avid reader and enjoyed old western movies. He had many collections including cookbooks, stamps, coins and baseball caps. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Dianna Avery Fabian in 2010; granddaughter Stephanie Avery Fabian in 2011; sisters Gwen Whitenack in 2009; and Donna Kanaly in 2012. Gene is survived by his wife Gracie Blakesley and six children; Pamela Porter and late husband Delmar of Lawrence, Kansas; Jeanne Rues and husband C.A. of Lenexa, Kansas; Gregory Blakesley and wife Patricia of Ottawa, Kansas; Larry Blakesley of Iola, Kansas; Anna Braun and husband Duane of Ponca City, Oklahoma; Monica Kimzey and husband David of Colony; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at Holy Angels Catholic Church, Garnett. Burial will follow in the Welda Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Monday evening at the funeral home in Garnett. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.