Burton Francis Blakely was born on Nov. 6, 1929, in Chicago and passed away on Jan. 12, 2014, surrounded by his loving family after a two-year struggle with lung cancer.

Burt served our country valiantly for 20 years in the Air Force where he served in the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis and Combat Alert Missions during the cold war. Burt was an aerial gunner on B-29’s, B-36’s and B-52’s.

He ended his honorable military career after serving for 20 years; retiring in 1968 at Castle Air Force Base in California, his last duty station.

Burt was a beloved husband, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

He enjoyed numerous actives that he shared with his children and, in doing so, blessing them with wonderful memories of camping, crabbing, hunting, fishing and the challenge of poker. He enjoyed gardening and was proud of his annual tomato garden. Burt taught his family to be independent and self-sufficient.

He shared his commitment to the church, serving the Lord and his devotion to “Our Lady of Guadalupe” with his family.

His example and commitment to the Lord will be passed down through the generations to his decedents.

He is survived by his beautiful wife of 63 years, as well as seven children and their spouses, 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank friends in the community, especially the “coffee group’’ and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dr. Lycksell and his staff and Hospice for the overwhelming support, love and compassion shown to Burt and his family during his long illness.

Anyone wishing to make a remembrance in his name, may do so to Gifts From The Heart, P.O. Box 155, Coupeville, 98239.