Clarence Eugene Blakesley

Clarence Eugene Blakesley was born in Holyoke, Colorado September 01, 1932  to Percy and Carrie Blakesley. He was the youngest of six children.

Clarence married Vada June Hedges 12/15/51 in Holyoke Colorado. They had three children – five grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, and waiting for the birth of his first great-great grandson.

Their daughter Marcy married Ronald Fernandez, had three children, Daniel Fernandez, Christina (Albert) Santiago and James (Diego) Fernandez.

Their daughter Teresa married Gary Hoffman and they have two children. Brandon (Lindsey) Hoffman and Heather (Charlie) Cordova.

Their son Kem Allen Blakesley was an infant death.

Clarence's great grandchildren: Kalob (Valerie), and son Ean, Nicholas, Zachery, Shelby and Joseph Fernandez. Albert Santiago III (Diego), Christopher (Tatdao) Santiago. Bonnie, Hugh and Nora Hoffman. Charlotte and Cora Cordova.

He is proceeded in death by his beloved wife Vada, daughter Marcy and infant son Kem, parents, brothers Robert and Harold, sisters Marjorie (Roberts) and Eva La Rene (Lytle).

Clarence served in the Army during the Korean war, he was sent to training just two weeks after his first child Marcy was born and was later stationed in Okinawa Japan where he was assigned to be the personal driver to General's and maintained their vehicles.

After his return home he and Vada had two more children Teresa and son Kem Allen.

They moved to Denver in 1959 where he worked for a delivery service and  became “Uncle Clarence” as he helped “Aunt Vada” in providing care for about 120 foster children through Lutheran Social Services. Most were infants waiting to be placed with their permanent family.  They also cared for a few older children with special needs.

Clarence and Vada became members of Grace Baptist church, he served as a deacon and volunteered with the youth group.

Clarence was a kidder; we remember being dropped off to church for youth programs and he would find the worst, most embarrassing radio station and turn the volume up for everyone to hear while we were getting out of the car.

They moved back to Holyoke Colorado in 1976, he worked many years providing maintenance at the Phillips County Court, and later at the landfill.  He helped with “Aunt Vada's” daycare and they cared and loved for dozens of children over the next 30 years. 

Like his wife he enjoyed the children, he had an invisible dog named “Rover.” He would have “Rover” sit, roll over, and bark.  The daycare children, his grandchildren and later his great grandchildren would all join in petting and talking to “Rover”. He was also personal assistant to “Santa Claus”!

Clarence and Vada later rejoined First Baptist of Holyoke where he served as a deacon, helped set up for functions where he was a member in his remaining years.

He was a great father, his daughters knew he was a “big ol teddy bear” however, young men coming to court his daughters were intimidated by his stern look. Fortunately, this proved to weed out some and leave only the best husbands for each of his girls.

During the marriage ceremony of Gary and Teresa, he paid Gary “one dollar” for taking Teresa off his hands.  He told Gary - “There are no returns my son!”  Payback came when he had to drive Teresa's decorated car home alone with “Just Married” written on the back window.

Clarence loved cars.  When he  was young he worked for his father in the wrecking yard and later restored old vehicles,  his favorite a 1931 Model A, which he originally paid $125.00 for and drove to work for several years while living in Denver. 

Clarence was a dedicated husband, after Vada was diagnosed with Alzheimers, he would visit her almost daily at Regent Care Center, to hold her hand, make sure she had her blanket or play bingo with her. We are grateful they are together again.

He is survived by his, son in law Ronald Fernandez, daughter Teresa and son in law Gary Hoffman, sister Ruby Roll, brother and sister in laws, Gail and Gaynell Hedges and Dick and Waydean Hedges, his grandchildren and great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

Family graveside services will be held.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the First Baptist Church of Holyoke.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clarence Eugene Blakesley, please visit our floral store.