Marion W. Blakeslee

Marion W. Blakeslee, age 96, of Columbus, OH passed away Friday, January 1, 2010. Marion was born in Bloomfield Township, Crawford County, PA on July 6, 1913. He was the son of Harry R. and Waitie Wilcox Blakeslee.

He was a 1930 graduate of the Bloomfield Township High School. His work included employment at the Shreve Farm in Union City, PA as a milk peddler and processor in the early 1930's. He also was employed as a store clerk for Hayes Hardware in Union City and as an apprentice toolmaker at the Erie General Electric Company in the early 1940's completing his training around 1942. Marion also became a master plumber under the supervision of Charles Mullen and later purchased the plumbing business then known as Mullen Brothers at 10 Market Street in Union City from Frank and Charles Mullen. A serious accident in 1954 caused him to sell his business, then known as M. W. Blakeslee Plumbing and Heating, to Paul Gregor who operated the business for many years. Following the sale of their business and home in The Pine Woods on U. S. Route 6, Marion and his wife, Lura, moved to Louisville, KY where Marion took a position as tool and die maker with General Electric at Appliance Park. He remained in that capacity until the time of his retirement in 1978. In late 1978, Marion and Lura relocated from their Louisville Mint Springs Branch Road home to Marion County, FL in the Lake Wier area. Marion became active with Lake Wier Kiwanis Club and served on the Board of Directors for several years. He was very much involved with many of the public accomplishments there such as the little league baseball field and school speech therapists program for the public schools of Marion County. In late 1983, the Union City Pine Woods home which Marion and Lura had built in 1948 became for sale and after a short time they repurchased the home for the Don Barteldt family. Thus nearly thirty-five years after building the Pine Woods home, they took possession again, with a real sense of satisfaction and joy. One special highlight was they were able to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary in a home that had meant so very much to both of them.

Mr. Blakeslee was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 57 years, Lura (Earll) Blakeslee on March 15, 1992 and by a brother, Frank C. Blakeslee of Portland, OR in 1962. Survivors include daughter, Marcella B. May of Westerville, OH and former sons-in-law, Gordon E. Smith of Westerville and Charles M. May of Louisville, KY. Surviving also is Marion's beloved feline friend and companion "Joey" who lives with Marcella. Marion felt that he was incredibly fortunate after relocating to Ohio a little over two years ago to become the neighbor and friend of three very special people who enriched the last years of his life. Faye Clark, Brenda Able and Jo Coffee were neighboring companions who dearly loved Marion for his special wit and smile. They enjoyed long conversations with him about his past endeavors and looked upon him as a wonderful person who they only wished they had known earlier in their lives. The Pine Woods home and property upon Marion's move to Ohio has been purchased by members of the Troyer family from whom he had initially obtained the property in 1948. This pleased him so much knowing his beloved home would be in such good care.

Visitation hours will be at the Glenn Funeral Home in Union City on Wednesday, January 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00 pm. The funeral will take place at Glenn Funeral Home, 62 S. Main Street, Union City, PA 16438 on Thursday, January 7 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery of Union City. Memorial contributions may be made to the Union City Masonic Eureka Lodge No. 366, Masonic Hall, 10 Prospect St., Union City, PA 16438 or the Union City Public Library, Stranahan St., Union City, PA 16438.

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